Aspirin Discontinuation at 24 to 28 Weeks’ Gestation in Pregnancies at High Risk of Preterm Preeclampsia, African Ancestry–Specific APOE Variants and Risk of Alzheimer Disease, Review of Primary Brain Malignancies, and more
Feb 21, 2023
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Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, an esteemed editor in chief of a prominent medical journal, dives into groundbreaking topics. She discusses the implications of aspirin discontinuation during pregnancy to mitigate preterm preeclampsia risks. The genetic link between APOE variants and Alzheimer's disease in African ancestry populations is examined, highlighting critical health disparities. Additionally, there’s an analysis of low wages correlating with increased mortality and an emphasis on innovative insulin pricing in California, alongside a reevaluation of sepsis management and the prevalence of brain malignancies.
Discontinuing aspirin in high-risk pregnancies effectively reduces preterm preeclampsia risk, prompting a reevaluation of existing medical guidelines.
Low hourly wages significantly correlate with increased mortality among middle-aged workers, highlighting the need for policies to improve their financial conditions.
Deep dives
Aspirin Discontinuation and Preterm Preeclampsia
A randomized clinical trial has shown that discontinuing aspirin at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation in pregnant individuals at high risk for preterm preeclampsia can be a safe and effective strategy. The study found that aspirin significantly reduced the incidence of preterm preeclampsia by 62%, with aspirin discontinuation showing a comparable incidence rate to those who continued taking it. With 936 participants, the trial utilized specific biophysical and molecular factors to better identify candidates at heightened risk in their first trimester. The findings suggest reassessment of existing guidelines to improve risk stratification and potentially enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes through more personalized care approaches.
Economic Impact of Low Wage Employment on Mortality
Research has indicated a troubling association between sustained low hourly wages and increased all-cause mortality among middle-aged workers. A longitudinal study of over 4,000 participants revealed significant mortality risks linked to low-wage employment and fluctuations in job stability. Those experiencing prolonged low earnings were found to have excess deaths, emphasizing that economic status can greatly impact long-term health outcomes. The authors advocate for policies aimed at enhancing the financial condition of low-wage workers, such as minimum wage increases, as a means to improve public health outcomes.
Editor’s Summary by Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, Editor in Chief of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for the February 21, 2023, issue. Related Content: