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CompletedNCT02891174Updated May 23, 2019Results posted

The Effect of Ibuprofen on Post-partum Blood Pressure in Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

A Phase 4 interventional study of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen in Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced and Pre-eclampsia, sponsored by University of Michigan. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 45 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2019-05-23.

Sponsored by University of Michigan · Phase 4, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
74
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 45 Years
Sex
Female
01

Study summary

To assess the effect of routine doses of ibuprofen on post-partum blood pressure control in women with gestational hypertension (gHTN) or preeclampsia without severe features (preE).

Read the detailed description

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed for post-partum analgesia. This use is supported by limited data on post-partum pain specifically; however, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are superior to acetaminophen in ameliorating uterine pain and cramping in dysmenorrhea. The effect of NSAIDs on blood pressure (BP) in women post-partum is less well-known. In non-pregnant hypertensive patients NSAIDs are associated with increased BP over short courses of days to months, though effects of various NSAIDs differ. Pooled analyses suggest changes in mean BP of up to 3-6 mm Hg depending on the measurement method.There are case reports of hypertensive crises after NSAID administration post-partum in both normotensive and hypertensive women. A larger, recent retrospective cohort study found no difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP) or need for antihypertensive therapy in women with severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who were exposed to NSAIDs post-partum.

In light of the potential for worsening blood pressure in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, the Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that "providers should be reminded of the contribution of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents to increased BP." Additionally the task force recommends that NSAIDS "be replaced by other analgesics in women with hypertension that persists for more than 1 day postpartum". However, provider practices since the publication of these guidelines have varied.

Hypothesis: When compared to acetaminophen, ibuprofen does not increase post-partum systolic blood pressure (SBP) above baseline to a clinically relevant degree (≥10 mmHg) in women with gHTN and preE.

Aim 1: To assess the mean difference in SBP during 24 hours of exposure to ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Aim 2: To assess whether ibuprofen results in higher satisfaction with pain control in the immediate post-partum period (48 hours) compared to acetaminophen.

Aim 3: To prospectively assess the need for post-partum anti-hypertensive therapy and readmission for blood pressure control in women with gHTN and preE. The post-partum period is defined as delivery through 6 weeks after delivery.

02

Conditions studied

  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced
  • Pre-eclampsia

Keywords

  • ibuprofen
  • acetaminophen
  • blood pressure
  • post-partum
  • pain control
  • pre-eclampsia
  • gestational hypertension
03

In context

Toxemia

936 studies on the registry are indexed under Toxemia; 155 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 74 is below the median of 112 across 440 interventional studies indexed under Toxemia.

Browse Toxemia studies →

Lead sponsor

University of Michigan is the lead sponsor of 1,475 studies on the registry; 196 are open to participants now.

Of its 162 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 128 (79%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 45 Years
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Antepartum women
  • Diagnosis of Gestational Hypertension or Pre-eclampsia by blood pressure ≥140 systolic or ≥90 diastolic, on at least 2 measurements ≥ 4 hours apart; with or without proteinuria (urine protein-creatinine ratio ≥0.3 or 24 hour-urine protein ≥300 mg).
  • Taking one or fewer oral medications for blood pressure control.
  • Singleton gestation.
  • English-speaking

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or acetaminophen
  • More than 1 severe range blood pressure (≥160 systolic or ≥110 diastolic) prior to enrollment.
  • Neurologic symptoms attributed to hypertension (headache, visual changes) prior to enrollment.
  • Pulmonary edema.
  • Elevated AST (>60 international units/L) or ALT (>70 international units/L) prior to enrollment.
  • Low platelet count (\<100,000/microliter) prior to enrollment.
  • Renal insufficiency (creatinine > 1.1 or double the baseline creatinine if known) prior to enrollment.
  • Chronic hypertension defined as hypertension pre-existing pregnancy or diagnosed prior to 20-weeks' gestation.
  • Moderate- or severe-persistent asthma.
  • Therapeutic anticoagulation.
  • Chronic opiate use during the pregnancy (opiate therapy given daily for > 2 weeks).
  • Lactose intolerance or allergy due to placebo containing lactose.
  • Cesarean delivery.
  • Additional anesthesia at time of delivery (spinal anesthesia, sedation) that would change routine pain management.
05

Study design

Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Crossover assignment
Masking
Quadruple (Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
74 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    Ibuprofen followed by acetaminophen

    Ibuprofen administered immediately post-partum, 600 mg (3 x 200 mg tablets) every 6 hours for 24 hours followed by acetaminophen, 650 mg (2 x 325 mg tablets) every 6 hours for 24 hours.

    Drug: Ibuprofen · Drug: Acetaminophen

  • Active comparator
    Acetaminophen followed by ibuprofen

    Acetaminophen administered immediately post-partum, 650 mg (2 x 325 mg tablets) every 6 hours for 24 hours followed by ibuprofen, 600 mg (3 x 200 mg tablets) every 6 hours for 24 hours.

    Drug: Ibuprofen · Drug: Acetaminophen

Interventions

  • DrugIbuprofen

    At the time of delivery, eligibility will be reviewed. If the participant remains eligible, she will be randomized by the study pharmacy to begin post-partum analgesic therapy with ibuprofen followed by acetaminophen.

    Also known as: Advil, Motrin

  • DrugAcetaminophen

    At the time of delivery, eligibility will be reviewed. If the participant remains eligible, she will be randomized by the study pharmacy to begin post-partum analgesic therapy with acetaminophen followed by ibuprofen.

    Also known as: Tylenol

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Difference in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)

    The adjusted mean difference in systolic blood pressure after 24 hours of exposure each to ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

    Time frame: 24 hours following intervention

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Self-reported Pain Score 2 Hours After First Intervention

    Prior to the first dose of pain medication, participants will take a brief, self-administered survey to assess abdominal and overall pain using a 0-10 scale. Two hours after the first dose of study drug, participants will repeat the self-administered survey to assess abdominal, perineal, and overall pain using a 0-10 scale. Clinical Pain Scale: 0=no pain to 10=worst pain.

    Time frame: At the time of first dose of study drug and 2 hours after

  2. Mean Pain Score by Nursing Assessment

    Pain scores using a 0-10 scale as assessed by nursing during the 48 hours from initial study medication administration will be abstracted from the participant's medical record. Clinical Pain Scale: 0=no pain to 10=worst pain. All pain scores during the first intervention (0-24 hours) and second intervention (24-48) are included according to intention-to-treat principles.

    Time frame: 0-24 hours and 24-48 hours after initial study medication administration

  3. Satisfaction With Pain Control During 24 Hours of Exposure Each to Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen

    A brief survey on satisfaction with pain control during the first 24 hours post-partum and the second 24 hours post-partum, as well as overall during post-partum stay will be administered prior to discharge using a 1-5 Likert scale: 1=not satisfied to 5=extremely satisfied.

    Time frame: 24 hours and 48 hours after initial study medication administration

07

Results

Posted May 23, 2019

Participant flow

First Intervention (24 Hours)
Participant flow — First Intervention (24 Hours)
MilestoneIbuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by Ibuprofen
Started2023
Received first intervention1918
Completed1710
Not completed313
Withdrew: Declined any study medication15
Withdrew: Discharged prior to cross-over02
Withdrew: Withdrew after receiving study drug26
Second Intervention (24 Hours)
Participant flow — Second Intervention (24 Hours)
MilestoneIbuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by Ibuprofen
Started1710
Completed113
Not completed67
Withdrew: No blood pressure after cross-over10
Withdrew: Discharged during second intervention35
Withdrew: Withdrew after receiving study drug21
Withdrew: Protocol violation01

Outcome measures

PrimaryDifference in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)

The adjusted mean difference in systolic blood pressure after 24 hours of exposure each to ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Time frame:
24 hours following intervention
Reported as:
Mean · mmHg
Difference in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)
mmHgIbuprofenAcetaminophen
Baseline systolic blood pressure131.8 ± 6.3132.0 ± 6.4
Systolic blood pressure after exposure129.1 ± 8.3129.1 ± 8.5
Observed Difference in systolic blood pressure-2.7 ± 8.1-2.9 ± 8.6
Statistical analysis
  • Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen · Mean difference (final values): 1.0 · 95% CI -3.7 to 5.7The adjusted mean difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen is presented here. The adjusted mean difference was calculated using a linear mixed model adjusting for time period by intention-to-treat principles.
SecondaryChange in Self-reported Pain Score 2 Hours After First Intervention

Prior to the first dose of pain medication, participants will take a brief, self-administered survey to assess abdominal and overall pain using a 0-10 scale. Two hours after the first dose of study drug, participants will repeat the self-administered survey to assess abdominal, perineal, and overall pain using a 0-10 scale. Clinical Pain Scale: 0=no pain to 10=worst pain.

Time frame:
At the time of first dose of study drug and 2 hours after
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Self-reported Pain Score 2 Hours After First Intervention
score on a scaleIbuprofenAcetaminophen
Abdominal pain-0.6 ± 1.6-0.3 ± 1.2
Perineal pain-1.1 ± 1.61.0 ± 0.6
Overall pain-0.7 ± 1.8-0.6 ± 0.9
Statistical analysis
  • Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen · t-test, 2 sided · p = 0.59 (Abdominal pain)
  • Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen · t-test, 2 sided · p = 0.91 (Perineal pain)
  • Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen · t-test, 2 sided · p = 0.88 (Overall pain)
SecondaryMean Pain Score by Nursing Assessment

Pain scores using a 0-10 scale as assessed by nursing during the 48 hours from initial study medication administration will be abstracted from the participant's medical record. Clinical Pain Scale: 0=no pain to 10=worst pain. All pain scores during the first intervention (0-24 hours) and second intervention (24-48) are included according to intention-to-treat principles.

Time frame:
0-24 hours and 24-48 hours after initial study medication administration
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Mean Pain Score by Nursing Assessment
score on a scaleIbuprofenAcetaminophen
Mean Pain Score by Nursing Assessment2.2 ± 1.12.3 ± 1.3
Statistical analysis
  • Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen · t-test, 2 sided · p = 0.76
SecondarySatisfaction With Pain Control During 24 Hours of Exposure Each to Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen

A brief survey on satisfaction with pain control during the first 24 hours post-partum and the second 24 hours post-partum, as well as overall during post-partum stay will be administered prior to discharge using a 1-5 Likert scale: 1=not satisfied to 5=extremely satisfied.

Time frame:
24 hours and 48 hours after initial study medication administration
Reported as:
Median · units on a scale
Satisfaction With Pain Control During 24 Hours of Exposure Each to Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen
units on a scaleIbuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by Ibuprofen
Period 13 (2 to 4)4 (4 to 5)
Period 23 (2 to 4)4.5 (4 to 5)
Overall3 (2 to 4)4.5 (4 to 5)
Statistical analysis
  • Ibuprofen Followed by Acetaminophen vs Acetaminophen Followed by Ibuprofen · Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney) · p = 0.02
  • Ibuprofen Followed by Acetaminophen vs Acetaminophen Followed by Ibuprofen · Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney) · p = 0.06
  • Ibuprofen Followed by Acetaminophen · Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney) · p = 0.04

Adverse events

Collected over 48 hours. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Ibuprofen0/29 (0%)0/29 (0%)0/29 (0%)
Acetaminophen0/34 (0%)0/34 (0%)0/34 (0%)

Baseline characteristics

Baseline characteristics were measured after the first milestone, after 6 total participants who were initially randomized declined the study medication.

Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(years)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
Mean30.9 ± 6.931.1 ± 6.331.0 ± 6.5
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
Female191837
Male000
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Race/Ethnicity, Customized(Participants)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
Race/Ethnicity — Non-Hispanic White171734
Race/Ethnicity — Black101
Race/Ethnicity — Hispanic112
Region of Enrollment
Region of Enrollment(Participants)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
United States191837
BMI
BMI(kg/m^2)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
Median33.5 (30 to 41)31.7 (28 to 36)32.3 (29.2 to 36.9)
Marital Status
Marital Status(Participants)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
Single459
Lives with partner112
Married141125
Not reported011
Insurance
Insurance(Participants)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
Commercial171431
Public/Medicaid246
Nulliparous
Nulliparous(Participants)Ibuprofen Followed by AcetaminophenAcetaminophen Followed by IbuprofenTotal
Count of participants101121

4 further baseline measures are reported on the registry.

08

Study locations

1 site
  • University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
09

References and documents

Study documents

  • Protocol and statistical analysis plan · Jan 10, 2017

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

10

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on May 23, 2019, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT02891174
Lead sponsor
University of Michigan
Responsible party
Elizabeth Langen (Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan) — Principal investigator
First posted
Sep 7, 2016
Start date
Dec 1, 2016
Primary completion
Mar 31, 2018
Completion
Jun 20, 2018
Results posted
May 23, 2019
Last update
May 23, 2019

Study contacts

Jourdan Triebwasser, MD
principal investigator · University of Michigan
Elizabeth Langen, MD
principal investigator · University of Michigan
Alexander Tsodikov, PhD
principal investigator · University of Michigan

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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