Esomeprazole to treat women with preterm preeclampsia: a randomized placebo controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Preterm preeclampsia has a high rate of fetal death or disability. There is no treatment to slow the disease, except delivery. Preclinical studies have identified proton pump inhibitors as a possible treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether esomeprazole could prolong pregnancy in women who have received a diagnosis of preterm preeclampsia. Study Design: We performed a double-blind, randomized controlled trial at Tygerberg Hospital in South Africa. Women with preterm preeclampsia (gestational age 26 weeks+0 days to 31 weeks+6 days) were assigned randomly to 40-mg daily esomeprazole or placebo. The primary outcome was a prolongation of gestation of 5 d..