Comparing NSAIDs and standard pain relief for women with severe preeclampsia

Preeclampsia And Nonsteroidal Drugs for Analgesia (PANDA): a Randomized Non Inferiority Trial

Phase 2 Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT03978767

This study tests if adding pain relief medications like ibuprofen can help women with severe preeclampsia manage high blood pressure after giving birth just as well as standard pain relief methods.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment286 (estimated)
SexFemale
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT03978767 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates whether the addition of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen is non-inferior to standard analgesic protocols in managing postpartum hypertension in women with severe preeclampsia. The study will randomly assign participants to receive either NSAIDs or a control group without them, aiming to gather data on the safety and efficacy of NSAID use in this specific patient population. The trial addresses a gap in current obstetric literature regarding the impact of NSAIDs on postpartum hypertension, especially in the context of the opioid crisis and the need for effective non-opioid pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women over 23 weeks gestational age with an antepartum diagnosis of severe preeclampsia undergoing vaginal or cesarean delivery.

Not a fit: Patients with NSAID allergies, chronic kidney disease, or those who have used antihypertensives prior to 20 weeks gestation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more effective pain management option for women with severe preeclampsia, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data specifically addressing NSAID use in postpartum preeclampsia, the approach of evaluating non-opioid analgesics is gaining traction amidst the opioid crisis, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women at \> 23 weeks gestational age undergoing vaginal or cesarean delivery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with:
* An antepartum diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features
* Pre-eclampsia with severe features will be defined as:
* Elevated blood pressure ≥ 160/110, or
* Pre-eclampsia in the setting of thrombocytopenia (platelet count \< 100,000), or
* Impaired liver function (AST elevated to twice upper limit of normal), or
* Persistent epigastric pain, or
* Renal insufficiency (serum creatinine of 1.1 mg/dl or doubling of prior value), or
* Pulmonary edema, or
* New onset visual disturbance or headache unresponsive to therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* NSAID allergy
* Allergy to acetaminophen
* Antihypertensive use in this pregnancy prior to 20 weeks gestation
* Chronic kidney disease or Acute kidney injury with Creatine clearance less than 60 mL/min
* Inability to obtain consent
* Opioid abuse disorder
* Peptic ulcer disease.

Where this trial is running

Saint Louis, Missouri

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.
Conditions Preeclampsia SeverePreeclampsia PostpartumNSAIDsIbuprofen
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.