Comparative Study between Three Different Protocols for Prevention of Hypertensive Disorders Associating Pregnancy

Objective: To compare the role of low-dose aspirin, antioxidants (vitamin C and E) and calcium in preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their maternal, fetal and neonatal sequelae. Study Design: 400 pregnant women less than 12 weeks gestation were divided into 4 equal groups. Group I received low-dose aspirin 75mg, group II received vitamin C 1000mg/d plus vitamin E 400mg/d, group III received calcium 1000mg/d and group IV was a control group. Each group was further divided into high and low risk patients. Results: The rate of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and IUGR was significantly reduced more in group I and II compared to group IV. There was a significant difference between group I and II versus group III and IV regarding development of severe pre-eclampsia. There was insignificant difference regarding GA at delivery, eclampsia, HELLP, placental abruption, neonatal deaths and congenital anomalies between all study groups.Conclusion: Use of antioxidants is superior to either low-dose aspirin or calcium in reduction of the risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia. Use of low-dose aspirin has better results than either anti-oxidants or calcium in reduction of the rate of severe preeclampsia, HELLP and IUGR.