History of adverse pregnancy outcomes may increase odds of midlife stroke

A history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) is associated with higher odds of midlife stroke. APO included preterm delivery, low birth weight, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and stillbirth in the study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Women's Health.

Eliza Miller, MD from Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and coauthors, found that stroke before age 60 was reported by 5% of 164 women with APOs, compared to 1% of women without APOs - a significant difference - with a mean age at stroke of 49 years.

"Remarkably, nearly 4 in 10 women in our sample who suffered a stroke before the age of 60 had a history of APOs," stated the investigators. "Our results suggest that common APOs may offer a glimpse into women's cerebrovascular health, and a unique opportunity to implement primary preventive strategies in a population at high risk of future stroke."

Given the findings of Miller and colleagues, providers should consider women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes at increased risk of stroke during midlife and implement preventive measures."

Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Journal of Women's Health Editor-in-Chief, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA