Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, and women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have a 2-fold higher risk for cardiovascular disease later in life compared to women with uncomplicated pregnancies. This research investigates a patient-centered intervention during the postpartum period to promote engagement in cardiovascular preventive care.

This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of a polyphenol-rich dietary intervention during pregnancy on endothelial function, oxidative stress biomarkers, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancy is associated with metabolic and vascular adaptations, and complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders are linked to endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. Dietary factors, particularly adherence to the Mediterranean diet and intake of polyphenol-rich foods, may play a protective role. Pregnant women will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention consists of daily consumption of 10 g of natural non-alkalized cocoa and structured dietary counseling aimed at achieving at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, alongside general Mediterranean diet recommendations. The intervention will last 12 weeks, from early to mid-pregnancy. Biomarkers of endothelial function and oxidative stress will be measured at different time points, along with clinical maternal outcomes (including gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders) and neonatal outcomes. The aim is to determine whether this dietary intervention improves endothelial function, reduces oxidative stress, and contributes to better pregnancy outcomes.

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.

A multicenter randomized trial that will compare the effectiveness of two postpartum blood pressure (BP) management strategies in improving blood pressure and cardiac function and increasing patient engagement and feeling of control over one's health

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative care intervention, consisting of remote blood pressure monitoring and support from community health workers, in improving blood pressure control and reducing postpartum complications among Black women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The primary objectives are to determine whether the intervention leads to improved blood pressure control at 12 months postpartum compared to standard care, and whether it reduces the incidence of serious maternal morbidity, including hospitalizations and cardiovascular events. Secondary objectives include examining whether patient activation and trust in the healthcare system mediate the relationship between the intervention and clinical outcomes. Participants will be enrolled at approximately 6 weeks postpartum and randomized to either the collaborative care intervention or standard postpartum care. All participants will self-monitor blood pressure using a provided device, receive guidance on hypertension management, and complete study assessments at multiple time points. Participants assigned to the intervention arm will additionally receive ongoing support from community health workers, including health education, care coordination, and assistance with healthcare navigation. Clinical outcomes and patient-reported measures will be assessed over a 12-month follow-up period.

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low-dose aspirin started in the first trimester reduces the risk of preeclampsia in high-risk women. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has shown potential benefits in addition to aspirin for preventing preeclampsia through its anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial protective effects. However, current evidence is limited and conflicting regarding the added value of LMWH to aspirin. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of combined aspirin and LMWH, compared to aspirin alone, for reducing the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk gravidas.

The long-term goal of our work is to evaluate the effect of intensive postpartum blood pressure control on maternal cardiovascular health, risk of chronic hypertension, and reversal of vascular dysfunction generated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, thus attenuating the lifelong trajectory of cardiovascular disease risk.

Title: A prospective multicentric interventional randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of low dose acetylsalicylic acid as a preventive treatment of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women who underwent frozen embryo transfer