Evaluating bromocriptine for heart recovery in women after pregnancy complications

(1/2) Randomized Evaluation of Bromocriptine in Myocardial Recovery Therapy for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (REBIRTH)

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10903956

This study is looking at whether the medication bromocriptine can help improve heart health in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can happen during or after pregnancy, by comparing its effects to a placebo over eight weeks.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10903956 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of bromocriptine, a medication that inhibits prolactin, on women suffering from peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a serious heart condition that can occur during or after pregnancy. The study will involve 200 women who will be randomly assigned to receive either bromocriptine or a placebo for eight weeks, with their heart function assessed through echocardiography at the start and again at 6 and 12 months. The goal is to determine if bromocriptine can improve heart recovery and overall health outcomes compared to standard heart failure treatments. Additionally, the research will explore whether specific heart function measurements can predict how well patients respond to the treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy who are within the appropriate timeframe for treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have peripartum cardiomyopathy or those who are not within the study's eligibility criteria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and recovery outcomes for women with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller studies have shown promising results for bromocriptine in treating PPCM, but this is the first large-scale randomized trial in a diverse North American population.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.