Investigating cardiovascular risks in women after complicated pregnancies

PlacEntal Acute Atherosis RefLecting Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Observational Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT05500989

This study looks at how having high blood pressure during pregnancy might affect women's heart health later on and whether certain blood tests can help predict their risk for heart problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment226 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Maastricht)
Trial IDNCT05500989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between placental acute atherosis in women who experienced pre-eclampsia and their future risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. By comparing women with pre-eclamptic pregnancies to those with uncomplicated pregnancies, the study seeks to identify cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy and their persistence postpartum. Participants will undergo follow-up assessments at two intervals: 6 to 36 months and 10 to 20 years after delivery. The study also aims to identify blood biomarkers that could predict cardiovascular disease risk earlier in women with hypertensive pregnancies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include women aged 18 and older who have experienced pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome during their pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing chronic hypertension or autoimmune disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved risk assessment and prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease in women with a history of complicated pregnancies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous studies have indicated a link between complicated pregnancies and long-term cardiovascular risks, suggesting potential for meaningful insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women aged ≥ 18 years
* Controls: Women with an uncomplicated pregnancy at the moment of inclusion (i.e no foetal or maternal placental complications, such as pregnancy induced hypertension, preeclampsia or HELLP-syndrome, or small for gestational birth infancies)
* Cases: Women diagnosed with a preeclamptic pregnancy at the moment of inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who do not want to be informed about the results of the tests, or women who do not want their general practitioner and specialist(s) to be informed about the test results

* Allergy or intolerance to glyceryl trinitrate, betablockers or iodinated contrast media.
* Controls: Pre-existing chronic hypertension treated with antihypertensive medication or autoimmune disorder.

Where this trial is running

Maastricht

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 Pre-EclampsiaHELLP SyndromeIntrauterine Growth RestrictionPregnancy
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.