Clinical Research Directory

A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of DAPAgliflozin (DAPA) for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in the Postpartum Period of Hypertensive Pregnancies (HP)

This trial is a pilot-scale, single institution randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of administering dapagliflozin for cardiovascular risk reduction in the postpartum period. The target population is patients at high risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes within five years post-delivery. Eligible participants will be randomized to receive either: 1) dapagliflozin (10mg daily) for six months (DAPA group) or 2) an orally administered, daily placebo (Control group). The study hypothesizes: The dapagliflozin group will have higher cardiovascular risk reduction scores than the Control Group.

Mortality Outcome of Controlled Hypertension

This pooled analysis investigates death outcomes in patients with pharmacologically treated and blood pressure-controlled hypertension. Despite documented BP control, some patients still suffer fatal cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal, or unexplained syndromes. This study aims to synthesize available evidence across study types to identify treatment pitfalls, contributing syndromes, and non-BP factors associated with these fatal outcomes. February 14th, 2026. Total search hits: 9,297 articles from your hypertension-mortality PubMed strategy Working dataset: 2,547 unique records. Screened so far: 50 (2.0%). Mostly excluded because: Not the right treatment strategy. No mortality outcome. Less often: wrong population.

Treatment With Aspirin After Preeclampsia: TAP Trial

The objective of this research project is to conduct a single-site pilot trial to assess the feasibility and effect of low-dose aspirin to augment vascular recovery in the immediate postpartum period after preeclampsia through two specific aims: 1) to pilot test the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of postpartum low dose aspirin vs. placebo, and 2) to assess the effect of postpartum aspirin on endothelial function and blood pressure. Our central hypothesis is that postpartum administration of low-dose aspirin following preeclampsia will be feasible, improve endothelial function, and lower BP at 6 months postpartum. Subjects will undergo 3 study visits involving BP measurements, blood draws, questionnaires, and/or microiontophoresis. Up to 60 adult subjects will be enrolled at Magee-Women's Hospital.

Mechanisms of Pregnancy Vascular Adaptations

The investigators will collect omental tissue (research surgical excision) and placental tissue (standard of care clinical delivery) from both preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women during their c-section and use these samples to study the blood vessels, specifically the expression/activation of the AT2R.

APPLE: Aspirin to Prevent Pregnancy Loss and Preeclampsia

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of early initiation of double low-dose aspirin in pregnant women. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does this dose and timing of aspirin reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia compared to standard recommendations? Does this dose and timing of aspirin reduce the risk of pregnancy loss compared to standard recommendations? Participants will begin taking at no later than 6 weeks 6 days gestational age, either 162mg of aspirin through delivery or placebo until 12 weeks and then 81mg of aspirin through delivery.

Fetal Fornix and Hippocampus in Pregnant Women With Early-Onset Preeclampsia

Since early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) is commonly associated with inadequate placentation, placental insufficiency, chronic fetal hypoxia, oxidative stress, and heightened inflammation, these pathological processes may adversely affect hippocampal neuronal development and maturation of axonal pathways such as the fornix. These mechanisms support our hypothesis that fetal fornix and hippocampus dimensions may be reduced in pregnancies complicated by EOPE, forming the scientific basis of our study. Previous research has suggested a potential link between preeclampsia (PE) and altered neurocognitive development. However, no studies to date have specifically evaluated the relationship between EOPE and fetal fornix or hippocampus dimensions. Therefore, the objective of our study is to assess fetal fornix and hippocampus measurements in pregnant women with early-onset preeclampsia compared with healthy controls.

Autologous Decidual-like Natural Killer Cells Therapy for Infertility or Adverse Pregnancy History

The aim of this study is preliminary exploration of the effectiveness and duration of autologous decidual-like NK cells therapy in improving uterine NK cells dysfunction.

Autophagy/Apoptosis Balance in Placental Vascular Pathologies

Pregnancy increases the risk of thrombosis. Placenta-mediated diseases are a risk factor for cardiovascular pathologies and can lead to maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. It is essential to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of dysfunctions at the vascular-placental interface so that systemic vascular risk can be characterized and, ultimately, screened for, on the basis of new markers (targeted preventive management). Deregulated autophagy could be the starting point for cell death by apoptosis or necrosis leading to complications. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in trophoblast apoptosis are incompletely described. This project follows on from the GrossAuTop-1 study, which investigated the intra- and inter-individual variability of autophagy and apoptosis activities in women during pregnancy. The aim of this project is to study autophagy and apoptosis activities specifically in women developing a placental vascular complication during pregnancy.

Eliminating Severe Maternal Morbidity With Heart Health Doulas Trial

This is a single site, single-blinded parallel randomized control trial that investigates a multi-level intervention to improve postpartum blood pressure in women with hypertensive disorder pregnancy. The investigators will recruit women diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, identified between 3rd trimester and 2 weeks post-delivery. The investigators will randomize participants to receive usual care home blood pressure monitoring for 6 weeks versus an intervention of usual care + blood pressure and weight monitoring + a doula trained in heart health. This trial will be conducted in partnership with a local community-based organization, Healthy Start Inc.

Virtual Reality-Based and Face-to-Face Relaxation Programs in Pregnant Women With Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, affecting 2-8% of pregnancies globally, is a leading hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. It is clinically characterized by elevated blood pressure (≥140/90 mmHg) after the 20th gestational week, often accompanied by proteinuria and systemic complications such as thrombocytopenia, liver dysfunction, and cerebral symptoms. This condition poses significant risks for both maternal and fetal health, increasing the likelihood of organ damage, preterm birth, and long-term cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental complications. Non-pharmacological interventions, including relaxation techniques, have been explored for symptom management. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) has shown efficacy in reducing stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. Recently, virtual reality (VR)-based relaxation techniques have gained attention for enhancing stress relief and improving health outcomes. This study aims to compare the effects of VR-based PMR with in-person PMR on maternal and fetal outcomes in preeclamptic pregnancies.

Vascular Biomarkers Predictive of the Progression From Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy to Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women

Hypertension during pregnancy remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The frequency (5 to 10% of pregnancies) and potential severity of these diseases, both for the mother and the child, are reasons for standardizing and optimizing medical practices. The cause of hypertension during pregnancy is quite complex, as it depends on a number of factors. Among the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP), the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia (one of the most studied in terms of severity) remains poorly understood. The evolution of international guidelines in recent years has made it possible to distinguish various HDP, but schematically we distinguish two main entities by the existence of proteinuria from and after the 20th week of amenorrhea and by maternal-fetal complications, more serious in pre-eclampsia than in gestational hypertension. Acute placental vasculature and blood flow abnormalities were observed during gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, and maybe due to generalized vascular endothelial activation and vasospasm resulting in systemic hypertension and organ hypoperfusion. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) and abnormal expression of several specific blood biomarkers are now well accepted as characteristics of preeclampsia as a leader. However, the progression of any HDP to preeclampsia is possible, but difficult to predict. By way of example, among between 15 and 40 % of gestational hypertension cases progress to preeclampsia, suggesting that it is the same worsening disease. ED could be pre-existing (chronic, white-coat or masked hypertension) but also at the origin of gestational hypertension (unclassified hypertension, transient pregnancy hypertension), and subsequent development of preeclampsia through an imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. An imbalance of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic proteins can testify to ED, as can adequate levels of endothelial microparticles. The main objective of this research is to assess the presence of urinary endothelial microparticles in stable pregnant women with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy as a marker for the occurrence of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.

Chronic Hypertension and Acetyl Salicylic Acid in Pregnancy

A randomized clinical trial to assess the efficiency of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) 150 mg/day started before 20 weeks of gestation in the prevention on maternal and fœtal complications in pregnant women with chronic hypertension.

Optic Nerve Sheath Measurement and Angiogenic Factors in Patients With Pre-eclampsia.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HPT) are an important cause of maternal-feto-neonatal morbidity and mortality, being one of the three leading causes of maternal death in our country and in developing countries. The only cure for THE is termination of pregnancy, which ends up being a decision in which gestational age and maternal risks must be balanced. Angiogenic factors have come to occupy an indispensable place in the arsenal of tools that can be used to separate the patient with a high likelihood of complications from those in whom prolongation of pregnancy could represent an important neonatal benefit. Refining the diagnostic capability of this test would further improve maternal-fetal outcomes and the use of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement could make the difference. The purpose of the present study is to correlate the measurement of ONSD with serum angiogenic factor (AF) values in patients with pre-eclampsia and to determine its predictive ability for adverse perinatal outcomes.

LMWH for Treatment of Early Fetal Growth Restriction (HepaGrowth)

Early fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with considerable fetal and neonatal morbimortality. Placental thrombosis, infarcts and hypercoagulability are frequently seen in these pregnancies, suggesting a role for the activation of the coagulation cascade in the genesis of FGR. Patients will be randomized for low-molecular weight heparin or standard of care, and the outcomes of both arms (gestational age at delivery, gestational and fetal morbidity) will be compared.

PEPPI Study: Identification of Women at Risk for Placental Dysfunction

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate Fetal Medicine Foundation's pre-eclampsia risk calculator using maternal characteristics, first trimester serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in a Finnish general population. Condition or disease: pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, polycystic ovary syndrome

Screening for Preeclampsia in Norway With Aspirin Discontinuation at 24-28 Weeks

Study population Around 3500 pregnant women attending a routine ultrasound scan at 11-14 weeks at St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim, Norway. Study period Dec 2023 - Jul 2025 Screening Patient history, blood pressure, uterine artery mean PI and PlGF will be plotted in the FMF algorithm for screening for preeclampsia in the first trimester. Standardized blood pressure will be measured by trained personnel. Ultrasound scans will be performed by FMF certified doctors and midwives working at the Center for Fetal Medicine in Trondheim. Placenta growth factor (PLGF) will be analyzed with Kryptor technology at Center for Laboratory Medicine, St. Olavs hospital. Prophylaxis Women with high risk for preterm preeclampsia (risk \> 1:100) will be offered aspirin prophylaxis 150 mg x 1 from 11-14 weeks to 36 weeks. Women will be offered to participate in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Study design and participants in the RCT A single center, open label, randomized, noninferiority trial conducted at St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim Norway from Dec 2023 to Jul 2025. The investigators will include around 300 women 18 years or older with a singleton live fetus, gestational age between 24 and 28 weeks, high risk of preterm preeclampsia (\>1/100) in the first trimester screening, aspirin treatment with a dose 150 mg per day initiated at 16+6 weeks of gestation or less until randomization with a adherence of at least 50% and low SFlt-1/PlGF ratio (Kryptor technology with cut-off 66). Randomization and masking Between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, participants will be randomly designed, with a computer-based system in a 1:1 ratio, to continue aspirin (control group) or discontinue aspirin (intervention group). This is an open-label study without masking of patients or providers. Follow-up Both groups will have visits every 4 weeks between randomization and 36 weeks, and standard antenatal care after 37 weeks until delivery. Treatment adherence will be assessed by patient self-report and tablet count, and fetal growth and Doppler will be assessed at the scheduled visits between randomization and 36 weeks (at 24, 28, 32 and 36 weeks), and according to clinical judgement by obstetricians at the outpatient clinic of the hospital. Women will have a telephone/video link follow-up 1-2 months after birth

Mobile Health Interventions to Prevent Heart Disease After Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

The purpose of this research is to study digital health interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease in individuals who have had a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP).

Natural Versus Programmed Frozen Embryo Transfer (NatPro)

NatPro is a two-arm, parallel-group, multi-center, randomized trial in which women undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) will be randomized to receive either a modified natural cycle (corpus luteum present) or a programmed cycle (corpus luteum absent).

Hydroxychloroquine May be Beneficial for Preeclampsia

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of hydroxychloroquine on the incidence of hypertensive pregnancy disorders in women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).

Early Prediction of Preeclampsia Using arteriaL Stiffness in High-risk prEgnancies

Despite advances in obstetric care, preeclampsia (PE) remains the leading cause of maternal death and disability in both developed and developing countries, contributing to over 70,000 maternal and 500,000 fetal deaths annually worldwide. PULSE was designed using a preventative medicine approach, focusing on improving early detection of PE as opposed to managing symptoms after onset. The study aims to uncover the earliest possible signs of PE using a combination of novel clinical tools and established diagnostic techniques to better identify, track, and manage high risk pregnant women. Specifically, PULSE will be examining the incorporation of a non-invasive test for the measurement of arterial stiffness, which has been shown to be predictive of hypertensive disorders. This test, in combination with a wide range of blood biomarkers, detailed ultrasound imaging, and a comprehensive battery of physical and mental health questionnaires, represents the largest, most comprehensive preventative PE study to date. The results of this work has the potential to revolutionize the way PE and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are managed and treated and can serve to inform the design of future preventative clinical research studies.

Multi-Omics for Maternal Health After Preeclampsia

To develop strategies to identify postpartum women at risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and provide them with preventative therapies.

Ultrasound Airway Assessment of Critically Ill Preeclamptic; Comparison Between Two Technique

Unexpected difficult airway exposes the patient to serious morbidity and even mortality. The changes in pregnancy and preeclampsia increase the risk of difficult intubation. Proper anticipation affects the outcome and enhances safety, especially in critically ill patients. This research aims to assess the superiority of either 2 views or 5 views ultrasound assessment in predictivity of difficult airway (difficult ventilation, laryngoscopy, and intubation) and their comparison to traditional clinical examination by El-Ganzouri Risk Index (EGRI) in critically ill obstetric patients with pre-eclampsia.

Pilot Study of Microvesicles in Pre-eclamptic and Non-pre-eclamptic Women With Threatened Preterm Delivery

A large number of studies on MVs from syncytiotrophoblasts support the hypothesis of their involvement in pre-eclampsia, via their multiple effects, among others as pro-coagulant, immuno-stimulatory and anti-angiogenic factors. The main objective is to compare the total concentration of the main populations of MVs in the maternal blood of a population of pre-eclamptic patients to those of a population of non-pre-eclamptic patients.

Effect of Albumin Versus Routine Care on Hemodynamic Response and Stability in Patients With Preeclampsia Guided by a Non-invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring System During Cesarean Delivery With Spinal Anesthesia

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of albumin versus routine care on hemodynamic response and stability in pre-eclamptic patients during cesarean delivery. The hypothesis is that volume replacement with albumin guided by stroke volume variation (SVV) using a ClearSight-Acumen (CS-A) monitor, before cesarean delivery (CD), improves hemodynamic stability in preeclamptic patients with severe features compared to routine care, under neuraxial anesthesia.