Using Losartan to Improve Blood Vessel Function After Preeclampsia

Angiotensin II Receptor Inhibition to Improve Microvascular Function in Women Who Have Had Preeclampsia

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Iowa · NCT04632589

This study is testing if the medication losartan can help improve blood vessel function in women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Iowa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT04632589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This investigation focuses on women who have experienced preeclampsia during pregnancy, a condition linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk later in life. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind persistent blood vessel damage and inflammation postpartum. Participants will receive either losartan, a medication that blocks angiotensin II receptors, or a placebo, to assess its effects on vascular function using a minimally invasive technique. The goal is to identify effective treatment strategies to manage cardiovascular risks in these women.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are postpartum women aged 18 or older who have delivered within the last 24 months and have a history of preeclampsia.

Not a fit: Patients with skin diseases, current tobacco use, or other specified health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cardiovascular health management for women who have had preeclampsia.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using losartan in this context is novel, similar studies have indicated potential benefits of targeting vascular function in postpartum women with a history of preeclampsia.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Post-partum women,

* 18 years or older,
* who have delivered within 24 months of the study visit
* who have had a preeclamptic pregnancy diagnosed by their obstetrician and confirmed according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria for preeclampsia. \[This information will be self-reported by the subjects.\]
* Using an effective method of birth control and not planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* skin diseases,
* current tobacco use,
* diagnosed or suspected hepatic or metabolic disease including chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as reduced eGFR \< 60 mL/min/1.73m2,
* statin or other cholesterol-lowering medication,
* current antihypertensive medication,
* history of hypertension prior to pregnancy,
* history of gestational diabetes,
* current pregnancy or breastfeeding,
* body mass index \<18.5 kg/m2,
* allergy to materials used during the experiment.(e.g. latex),
* known allergies to study drugs.

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

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 Postpartum
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.