Description
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of heart failure that can happen between the last month of pregnancy and five months after giving birth. The heart enlarges and the muscle weakens resulting in less blood pushed out of the heart with each contraction. You may feel short of breath or tired when trying to move or exercise. Research suggests that family traits from your parents and inflammation of the heart muscle can cause your heart to become weak. The overall cause of peripartum cardiomyopathy remains unknown.
Purpose
The purpose of REBIRTH is to test whether bromocriptine can strengthen the heart when compared to those not taking the drug (inactive pill) while all remain on heart failure medication. Bromocriptine is approved by the FDA to treat irregular periods and other symptoms that result from having high blood levels of prolactin (a protein normally high after pregnancy). It is not currently approved in the United States for peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria-including but may not be limited to:
18 years of age and older who are post-delivery and are within five months post-partum, recently diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy and not breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed may be eligible to be in a group that does not take the study drug.
To Participate
Please contact the Network Office of Research and Innovation at 610-402-9543.