PERINATAL TRIALS REPORT

PT0362

HOPE Trial

Prevention of recurrent pre-eclampsia by folic acid and supplementation in women with hyperhomocysteinaemia.

Plain Language Summary:      

Women who experience the pregnancy disease pre-eclampsia, and in particular those who develop the disease before 38 weeks of a pregnancy, are more likely to have high blood levels of the chemical homocysteine. They are also at higher risk of pre-eclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy. High levels of homocyteine have been shown to make blood vessels more prone to clog up, one of the underlying processes of pre-eclampsia. High blood levels of homocysteine can usually be reduced by taking the vitamin folic acid. It is not known, however, whether this can effect the chances of pre-eclampsia happening again. This study will help to determine whether taking a folic acid supplement can prevent recurrent pre-eclampsia in women with high homocysteine levels.

Trial status:                         Open to accrual

Date trial opened to accrual:    1 September 1999

Expected accrual period:          3 years

Trial Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of folic acid supplementation compared with placebo in reducing the risk of recurrent pre-eclampsia and of maternal and perinatal morbidity associated with pre-eclampsia, in women with hyperhomocysteinaemia.

Type of administration:        Multi-centre International

Principal Investigator/s:        Dr William Hague

                                         Ph 61 2 9351 7318

                                         Email bill.hague@adelaide.edu.au

                                         Professor Gustaaf Dekker

                                         Ph 61 8 8182 9211

                                         Email gus.dekker@adelaide.edu.au

© IMPACT/PSANZ 2001