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Bromocriptine treatment for women with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Randomized Evaluation of Bromocriptine In Myocardial Recovery THerapy for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (REBIRTH)

Phase 4 Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT05180773

This study is testing if bromocriptine can help women with peripartum cardiomyopathy recover their heart function better than standard treatment alone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsChemotherapy, radiation
Locations64 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 63 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05180773 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study enrolls 200 women diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy within 5 months postpartum to evaluate the effects of bromocriptine therapy on heart recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either bromocriptine alongside standard heart failure treatment or a placebo with standard treatment. The study will assess heart function through echocardiograms at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, while also monitoring long-term outcomes over three years. An additional cohort of breastfeeding women will be observed to gather data without bromocriptine treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older, newly diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy within 5 months postpartum and with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or less.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other types of cardiomyopathy, significant coronary artery disease, or those currently breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve heart recovery and clinical outcomes for women suffering from peripartum cardiomyopathy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of bromocriptine in this context is novel, previous studies have shown promise in treating other conditions with similar approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Presentation with a new diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy
2. Post-delivery and within the first 5 months post-partum.
3. Clinical assessment of an LVEF \< or =0.40 within 4 weeks of consent for randomized control trial
4. Clinical assessment of an LVEF \< or =0.40 within 8 weeks of consent for breastfeeding cohort
5. Age \> or = 18.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, valvular disease or congenital heart disease (with the exception of women with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy with complete recovery and a documented LVEF \> 0.55 prior to or in early pregnancy)
2. Refractory hypertension (Systolic \>160 or Diastolic \> 95) either at the time of enrollment or at the time of the qualifying LVEF.
3. Postpartum women currently breastfeeding and planning to continue.
4. Evidence of coronary artery disease (\>50% stenosis of major epicardial vessel or positive non-invasive stress test)
5. Previous cardiac transplant
6. Current durable LVAD support
7. Currently requiring support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
8. Current history of alcohol or drug abuse
9. Chemotherapy or chest radiation within 5 years of enrollment
10. Evidence of ongoing bacterial septicemia
11. Medical, social or psychiatric condition which limit the ability to comply with follow-up.

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 63 other locations

+14 more sites — see ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, Postpartum
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.