NCT07715669 · Anna Stanhewicz, PhD
Antidepressant Therapy for Improved Blood Vessel Health After Preeclampsia
What this study is about
Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnancy where a woman develops high blood pressure and other complications. Women who develop preeclampsia are 4 times more likely to have heart disease later in life. They are also more likely to have depression after pregnancy. Why they are more likely to develop these conditions is not known. It may be because their blood vessels were damaged during pregnancy.
View original scientific description
Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnancy where a woman develops high blood pressure and other complications. Women who develop preeclampsia are 4 times more likely to have heart disease later in life. They are also more likely to have depression after pregnancy. Why they are more likely to develop these conditions is not known. It may be because their blood vessels were damaged during pregnancy. Changes in blood vessel health can predict heart disease. These changes have been recorded after pregnancy in women who had preeclampsia. These changes have also been recorded in women who have depression. In the previous phase of this award, we found that women who had preeclampsia in pregnancy had changes in blood vessel health after pregnancy. We also found that if these women were taking a medicine to treat depression, their blood vessel health was normal. This could mean that treatment for depression can also increase blood vessel health in women who had preeclampsia. In this project we will study how changes in blood vessel health are related to preeclampsia and depression in women who have had both. We will also study how medicine to treat depression can improve blood vessel health after preeclampsia. We will do this by measuring how blood vessels work in women who have had preeclampsia compared to women who did not, and in women who have depression and women who do not. This will tell us more about why risk for depression and heart disease is higher in women who have had preeclampsia. It will also help us understand if medicine for depression can reduce cardiovascular disease risk after preeclampsia.
Interventions
DRUG
Paroxetine Hydrochloride
Localized delivery of paroxetine HCl to the cutaneous microvasculature via intradermal microdialysis.
DRUG
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Localized delivery of ascorbic acid to the cutaneous microvasculature via intradermal microdialysis.
Primary outcome measures
Microvascular endothelium-dependent dilation response measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry
Time frame: at the study visit, an average of 4 hours
Cutaneous vascular conductance responses to local heating over a microdialysis fiber receiving treatments compared to lactated Ringer's solution (control).
Nitric oxide-dependent dilation response measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry
Time frame: at the study visit, an average of 4 hours
Difference in cutaneous vascular conductance between local heating plateau and post-L-NAME plateau within each treated microdialysis site compared to lactated Ringer's (control).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18-24 years old, 12 weeks - 5 years post pregnancy one of the following:
- a history of a normal pregnancy with a current diagnosis of depression,
- a history of a normal pregnancy without a current diagnosis of depression,
- a history of a preeclamptic pregnancy with a current diagnosis of depression, 4) and history of preeclamptic pregnancy without a current diagnosis of depression.
Exclusion criteria
- history of cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or skin diseases current or history of tobacco/nicotine/ e-cigarette use history of gestational diabetes current antihypertensive or cholesterol-lowering medication currently pregnant allergy to materials used during the experiment (e.g. latex), known allergy to study drugs currently using SSRI medications
Where
- Iowa City, Iowa
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations