Pregnancy ComplicationsPhase 3FACTNCT01355159
High Dose Folic Acid Supplementation Throughout Pregnancy for Preeclampsia Prevention
A Phase 3 study testing Folic Acid 4 mg in people with Pregnancy Complications and Preeclampsia, run by Ottawa Hospital Research Institute at 72 sites in 5 countries.
Trial summary
To determine the efficacy of high dose folic acid supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia in women with at least one risk factor: pre-existing hypertension, pre-pregnancy diabetes (type 1 or 2), twin pregnancy, preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, or body mass index ≥35. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Pregnancy Complications, Preeclampsia
- What is being tested?
- Folic Acid 4 mg
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 2,464 participants
- Where
- 72 sitesin 5 countries
- Study dates
- Apr 2011to Sep 2016
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Capability of subject to comprehend and comply with study requirements
- ≥ 18 years of age at time of consent
- Subject is taking ≤1.1 mg of folic acid daily at the time of randomization
- Live fetus (documented positive fetal heart prior to randomization)
- Gestational age between 8+0 and 16+6 weeks of pregnancy (Gestational age (GA) of subjects will be calculated based on the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or ultrasound performed before 12+6. If early ultrasound and LMP dates differ by ≤ 7 days, base GA estimate on LMP date; if > 7 days, use early < 12+6 ultrasound)
- Subject plans to give birth in a participating hospital site
Show all 12Show fewer
- Pregnant subjects must fulfill at least one of the following identified risk factors for pre-eclampsia (PE):
- Pre-existing hypertension (documented evidence of diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg on two separate occasions or at least 4 hours apart prior to randomization, or use of antihypertensive medication during this pregnancy specifically for the treatment of hypertension prior to randomization)
- Pre-pregnancy diabetes (documented evidence of Type I or type II DM)
- Twin pregnancy
- Documented evidence of history of PE in a previous pregnancy
- BMI > 35 kg/m2 within 3 months prior to this pregnancy and up to randomization of this pregnancy (documented evidence of height and weight to calculate BMI is required)
Who cannot join
- Known history or presence of any clinically significant disease or condition which would be a contraindication to folic acid supplementation of up to 5 mg daily for the duration of pregnancy
- Known major fetal anomaly or fetal demise
- History of medical complications, including:
- renal disease with altered renal function,
- epilepsy,
- cancer, or
Show all 14Show fewer
- use of folic acid antagonists such as valproic acid
- Individual who is currently enrolled or has participated in another clinical trial or who received an investigational drug within 3 months of the date of randomization (unless approved by the Trial Coordinating Centre)
- Known presence of:
- Alcohol abuse (≥ 2 drinks per day) or alcohol dependence
- Illicit drug/substance use and/or dependence
- Known hypersensitivity to folic acid
- Multiple Pregnancy (triplets or more)
- Participation in this study in a previous pregnancy
Trial locations and contacts
72 sites in 5 countries.
72 sites in 5 countries
United Kingdom32 sites
Wansbeck General Hospital
Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9JJ
Blackburn
Blackburn, BB2 3HH
Burnley
Burnley, BB10 2PQ
Fairfield
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 7TD
Cumberland Infirmary
Carlisle, Cumbria, CA27HY
North Manchester
Crumpsall, M8 5RB
Darlington Memorial Hospital
Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX
University Hospital of North Durham
Durham, County Durham, DH1 5TW
Gateshead Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 6SX
Northwick Park Hospital
Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ
Hinchingbrooke
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 6NT
West Middlesex University Hospital
Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 6AF
Lincolnshire
Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 4AX
St George's Hospital
London, Tooting, SW17 0QT
Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital
London, SE1 9RT
South Tees Hospital
Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP
North Tyneside General Hospital
North Shields, NE29 8NH
Norfolk & Norwich
Norwich, NR4 7UY
Nottingham City Hospital
Nottingham, NG5 1PB
Nottingham Queens Medical Centre
Nottingham, NG7 2UH
Oldham
Oldham, OL1 2JH
Rochdale
Rochdale, Lancashire, OL12 0NB
South Tyneside District Hospital
South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE34 0PL
Ormskirk
Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6PN
North Tees Hospital
Stockton, TS19 9AH
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Sunderland, SR4 7TP
Hillingdon Hospital
Uxbridge, UB8 3NN
Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Warrington, Cheshire, WA51QC
West Cumberland Hospital
Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA288JG
49 Marine Avenue & CCGs
Whitley Bay, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE13 9BA
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, New Cross Hospital
Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV100QP
Canada23 sites
Calgary Foothills Medical Center
Calgary, Alberta, T2N2T9
Edmonton Lois Hole Hospital for Women
Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 3V9
Fredericton Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital
Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5N5
Hamilton McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1
Kingston
Kingston, Ontario, K7L 2V7
London
London, Ontario, N6A 5W9
Moncton Hospital
Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 6Z8
Quebec City (CHUL) Centre Hospitalier Universitaire
Montreal, Quebec, G1V 4G2
Saint-Luc CHUM - Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, H2X 3J4
McGill University Royal Victoria Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1A1
Sainte-Justine
Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5
St-Mary's Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1M5
Ottawa Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6
Civic Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9
Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region
Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0W5
Saint John Regional Hospital
Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L2
Sault Ste- Marie Sault Area Hospital
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6B 0A8
St-John's Women's Health Centre
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3V6
Sunnybrook Health Sciences
Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5
Vancouver BC Women's Hospital and Health Center
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4
St-Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2K5
Winnipeg St. Boniface General Hospital
Winnipeg, New Brunswick, R2H 2A6
Winnipeg University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, New Brunswick, R3E 3P4
Argentina8 sites
Cemic
Buenos Aires
Hospital Escuela Eva Perón
Rosario, Santa Fe Province, S2000DKR
Hospital Provincial
Rosario, Santa Fe Province
Hospital Roque Saenz Penia
Rosario, Santa Fe Province
Maternidad Martin
Rosario, Santa Fe Province
Sanatorio de la Mujer
Rosario, Santa Fe Province
Hospital Cullen
Santa Fe
Hosptial Iturraspe
Santa Fe
Australia6 sites
Townsville
Douglas, Queensland, 4814
Ipswich
Ipswich, Queensland, 4305
Adelaide
North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006
Royal Women's Hospital
Parkville, Victoria, 3052
Nepean
Penrith, New South Wales, 2750
Sunshine
St Albans, Victoria, 3021
Jamaica3 sites
Jubilee
Kingston
Spanishtown
Kingston
University of West Indies
Kingston
About this study
Official title: Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy on Preeclampsia-Folic Acid Clinical Trial (FACT)
To determine the efficacy of high dose folic acid supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia in women with at least one risk factor: pre-existing hypertension, pre-pregnancy diabetes (type 1 or 2), twin pregnancy, preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, or body mass index ≥35. It was hypothesized that high dose (4.0 mg per day) supplementation starting in early pregnancy and continued throughout the entire pregnancy will lower the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia.
Read the detailed description
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy which affects at least 5% of all pregnancies worldwide and has serious health consequences to these women and their babies. Preeclampsia is hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnancy with proteinuria. Proteinuria is when protein is found in the urine, and it is a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly. The only effective treatment for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. Because delivery may be required before the anticipated date of delivery; preeclampsia is also one of the leading causes of preterm delivery and accounts for 25% of very low birth weight infants. Recent research has also shown that women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy are more likely to be at risk for future cardiovascular events later in life.
Recently some studies have shown that supplementation with multivitamins containing folic acid is associated with a reduced risk of developing preeclampsia. These findings also suggested that for the prevention of preeclampsia, a high dose of folic acid (much higher than the amount of folate received from food intake or what is usually taken during pregnancy) may be needed.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 obstetrical centres in 5 countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and the UK) to evaluate the effect of high dose folic acid started in early pregnancy on the risk of developing preeclampsia in high-risk women. A sample size of 2464 allowed for 80% power and a 10% loss to follow-up/study withdrawal. Participants received either placebo or four 1.0 mg oral tablets of folic acid.
- Conditions
- Pregnancy Complications, Preeclampsia
- Being tested
- Folic Acid 4 mg, Placebo
- Keywords
- Pregnancy, Folic Acid supplementation, Preeclampsia
- Medical subject headings
- Pregnancy Complications, Pre-Eclampsia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Folic Acid 4 mgDrug
Also called Folate
Folic Acid 1.0 mg or placebo x 4 tablets will be taken daily by oral administration. The majority of women in the study will routinely take 1.0 mg folic acid in a prenatal vitamin supplement, as recommended by their primary obstetrical provider; the study requirements do not require that participants change their practice. Therefore the actual total daily dose may be up to 5.1 mg of folic acid
PlaceboDrug
Placebo x 4 tablets will be taken daily by oral administration.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid 4 mg | Experimental | Folic Acid 1.0 mg x 4 tablets will be taken daily by oral administration. The majority of women in the study will routinely take 1.0 mg folic acid in a prenatal vitamin supplement, as recommended by their primary obstetrical provider; the study requirements do not require that participants change their practice. Therefore the actual total daily dose may be up to 5.1 mg of folic acid Receives: Drug: Folic Acid 4 mg |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Women will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to folic acid 4.0 mg or placebo Receives: Drug: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Preeclampsia
PE is defined as diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg on two occasions ≥4 hours apart and proteinuria developed in women greater than 20+0 weeks of gestation. Proteinuria is defined as: urinary protein ≥300mg in 24 hour urine collection OR in the absence of 24 hour collection, ≥2+ dipstick proteinuria, OR random protein-creatinine ratio ≥30mg protein/mmol.
OR HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated, Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets) syndrome defined as: Haemolysis (characteristic peripheral blood smear), Serum LDH ≥ 600U/L, Serum AST ≥ 70U/L, and Platelet count <100 x109/L
OR Superimposed pre-eclampsia, defined as history of pre-existing hypertension (diagnosed pre-pregnancy or before 20+0 weeks' gestation) with new proteinuria.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestational age until 42 days postpartum (after delivery)
Secondary outcomes (24)
Maternal Death
According to the World Health Organization, "A maternal death is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes.
Measured: Time Frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until 42 days postpartum (after delivery)
Spontaneous Abortion
Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage defined as death of a fetus <500g or <20 weeks of gestation
Measured: Participants will be followed from randomization until 20+0 weeks of gestation
Placenta Abruption
Placental abruption (abruptio placentae) is the premature detachment of a normally positioned placenta from the wall of the uterus.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Premature Rupture of Membranes
Rupture of the membranes (rupture of the amniotic sac) before the onset of labor.
Measured: Participants will be followed from randomization (8-16 weeks' completed gestation) until the onset of labor
Preterm Birth
Birth that occur earlier than 37+0 weeks of gestational age.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks to 36+6 weeks of gestation
HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels & Low Platelet Count)
Haemolysis (characteristic peripheral blood smear), Serum LDH >=600U/L, Serum AST >=70U/L, Platelet count <100 x109/L
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Severe Preeclampsia
Severe PE: Defined as PE with convulsion or HELLP or delivery <34 weeks.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery.
Antenatal Inpatient Length of Stay
Length of inpatient stay before admission for delivery in days
Measured: Participants will be followed from date of randomization (8-16 weeks' completed gestation) until admission for delivery
Stillbirth
Fetal death defined as death of fetus of at least 500 grams birth weight or, if birth weight is unavailable, a gestational age of at least 20+0 weeks of gestation.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation up to delivery.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (<3rd Percentile)
Intrauterine growth restriction is defined as a birth weight less than the 3rd percentile of the population, adjusted for sex and gestational age, based on the current population-based Canadian reference standard.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (<10th Percentile)
Intrauterine growth restriction is defined as a birth weight less than the 10th percentile of the population, adjusted for sex and gestational age, based on the current population-based Canadian reference standard.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Neonatal Death
Neonatal death defined as death of a baby that occurred during first 28 days of life.
Measured: Participants will be followed from birth until 28 days of life
Perinatal Mortality
The perinatal mortality is defined as the number of deaths (fetal deaths and neonatal deaths) of babies ≥ 500 grams birth weight or, if birth weight is unavailable, a gestational age ≥ 20+0 weeks, up to 28 completed days after birth.
Measured: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until 28 days of life.
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Retinopathy of prematurity a retinopathy typically occurring in premature infants treated with high concentrations of oxygen, characterized by vascular dilatation, proliferation, tortuosity, edema, retinal detachment, and fibrous tissue behind the lens confirmed by retinal examination according to an International Committee for the Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity.
Measured: Infants born to the participant will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks
Early Onset Sepsis
Within first 48hr of life, confirmed by positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures
Measured: Infants born to the participants will be followed first 48 hours of life.
Necrotising Enterocolitis
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) according to modified Bell's criteria stage 2 or higher (grossly bloody stool, plus absent bowel sounds with or without abdominal tenderness and radiographic findings such as intestinal dilation, ileus, pneumatosis intestinalis), excluding isolated spontaneous intestinal perforations.
Measured: Infants borm to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
- IVH Grade 1(Blood in germinal matrix)
- IVH Grade 2 (Blood in germinal matrix and extending into the ventricles)
- IVH Grade 3 (Ventricular enlargement)
- IVH Grade 4 (Intraparenchymal lesion)
Measured: Time Frame: Infants born to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks
Ventilation
Ventilatory support after initial resuscitation, with/without intubation.
Measured: Infants born to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Need for Oxygen at 28 Days
Measured: Infants to the participants will be followed for 28 days after birth.
Composite Severe Adverse Fetal/Neonatal Outcome
Composite outcome included any of retinopathy of prematurity, periventricular leukomacia, early onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, ventilation. Need for O2at 28 days, NICU admission
Measured: Outcomes included in the composite outcome were measured for each of their respective time frames, up to 6-weeks after birth
Length of Stay in 'High Level' Neonatal Care Unit
Measured: Infants to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Neonatal Death
Neonatal death defined as death of the infant occurred before 28 days of life
Measured: Infants to the participants will be followed for 28 days after birth.
Periventricular Leukomalacia
One of the two outcomes used to measure neonatal morbidity.
Measured: Infants to the participants were followed for 28 days after birth.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Admission
This outcome measured whether or not the infant was admitted into the NICU.
Measured: Infants to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 May 2011 (estimated)
- Study startApr 2011
- Primary completionJul 2016
- Study completionSep 2016
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Pregnancy ComplicationsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 2,464 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Shi Wu Wen, PhD, Principal investigator, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteMark C Walker, MD, Principal investigator, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01355159
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2009-107
- Other IDs
- ISRCTN23781770
- Acronym
- FACT
- Status last verified
- Jun 2020
- First submitted
- 11 May 2011
- Last updated
- 7 Jul 2020
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
Publications
Muldoon KA, McLean C, El-Chaar D, Corsi DJ, Rybak N, Dagvadorj A, Guo Y, Rennicks White R, Dingwall-Harvey ALJ, Gaudet LM, Walker MC, Wen SW; FACT Collaborating Group. Persisting risk factors for preeclampsia among high-risk pregnancies already using prophylactic aspirin: a multi-country retrospective investigation. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;36(1):2200879. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2200879.
PubMed 37073421Rose EG, Murphy MSQ, Erwin E, Muldoon KA, Harvey ALJ, Rennicks White R, MacFarlane AJ, Wen SW, Walker MC. Gestational Folate and Folic Acid Intake among Women in Canada at Higher Risk of Pre-Eclampsia. J Nutr. 2021 Jul 1;151(7):1976-1982. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab063.
PubMed 33851221Corsi DJ, Gaudet LM, El-Chaar D, White RR, Rybak N, Harvey A, Muldoon K, Wen SW, Walker M. Effect of high-dose folic acid supplementation on the prevention of preeclampsia in twin pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2022 Feb;35(3):503-508. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1725882. Epub 2020 Feb 18.
PubMed 32067533Wen SW, White RR, Rybak N, Gaudet LM, Robson S, Hague W, Simms-Stewart D, Carroli G, Smith G, Fraser WD, Wells G, Davidge ST, Kingdom J, Coyle D, Fergusson D, Corsi DJ, Champagne J, Sabri E, Ramsay T, Mol BWJ, Oudijk MA, Walker MC; FACT Collaborating Group. Effect of high dose folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on pre-eclampsia (FACT): double blind, phase III, randomised controlled, international, multicentre trial. BMJ. 2018 Sep 12;362:k3478. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k3478.
PubMed 30209050Wen SW, Champagne J, Rennicks White R, Coyle D, Fraser W, Smith G, Fergusson D, Walker MC. Effect of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on preeclampsia: the folic acid clinical trial study. J Pregnancy. 2013;2013:294312. doi: 10.1155/2013/294312. Epub 2013 Nov 18.
PubMed 24349782
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Jul 2020. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy on Preeclampsia-Folic Acid Clinical Trial (FACT)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01355159
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FACT / 2009-107
- Conditions
- Pregnancy Complications, Preeclampsia
- Keywords
- Pregnancy, Folic Acid supplementation, Preeclampsia
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 2,464 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Study start
- Apr 2011
- Primary completion
- Jul 2016 (actual)
- Study completion
- Sep 2016 (actual)
- First posted
- 17 May 2011 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 7 Jul 2020
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
To determine the efficacy of high dose folic acid supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia in women with at least one risk factor: pre-existing hypertension, pre-pregnancy diabetes (type 1 or 2), twin pregnancy, preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, or body mass index ≥35. It was hypothesized that high dose (4.0 mg per day) supplementation starting in early pregnancy and continued throughout the entire pregnancy will lower the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia.
Detailed description
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy which affects at least 5% of all pregnancies worldwide and has serious health consequences to these women and their babies. Preeclampsia is hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnancy with proteinuria. Proteinuria is when protein is found in the urine, and it is a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly. The only effective treatment for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. Because delivery may be required before the anticipated date of delivery; preeclampsia is also one of the leading causes of preterm delivery and accounts for 25% of very low birth weight infants. Recent research has also shown that women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy are more likely to be at risk for future cardiovascular events later in life.
Recently some studies have shown that supplementation with multivitamins containing folic acid is associated with a reduced risk of developing preeclampsia. These findings also suggested that for the prevention of preeclampsia, a high dose of folic acid (much higher than the amount of folate received from food intake or what is usually taken during pregnancy) may be needed.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 obstetrical centres in 5 countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and the UK) to evaluate the effect of high dose folic acid started in early pregnancy on the risk of developing preeclampsia in high-risk women. A sample size of 2464 allowed for 80% power and a 10% loss to follow-up/study withdrawal. Participants received either placebo or four 1.0 mg oral tablets of folic acid.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid 4 mg | Experimental | Drug: Folic Acid 4 mgFolic Acid 1.0 mg x 4 tablets will be taken daily by oral administration. The majority of women in the study will routinely take 1.0 mg folic acid in a prenatal vitamin supplement, as recommended by their primary obstetrical provider; the study requirements do not require that participants change their practice. Therefore the actual total daily dose may be up to 5.1 mg of folic acid |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Drug: PlaceboWomen will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to folic acid 4.0 mg or placebo |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (12 listed)
- Capability of subject to comprehend and comply with study requirements
- ≥ 18 years of age at time of consent
- Subject is taking ≤1.1 mg of folic acid daily at the time of randomization
- Live fetus (documented positive fetal heart prior to randomization)
- Gestational age between 8+0 and 16+6 weeks of pregnancy (Gestational age (GA) of subjects will be calculated based on the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or ultrasound performed before 12+6. If early ultrasound and LMP dates differ by ≤ 7 days, base GA estimate on LMP date; if > 7 days, use early < 12+6 ultrasound)
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Known history or presence of any clinically significant disease or condition which would be a contraindication to folic acid supplementation of up to 5 mg daily for the duration of pregnancy
- Known major fetal anomaly or fetal demise
- History of medical complications, including:
- Individual who is currently enrolled or has participated in another clinical trial or who received an investigational drug within 3 months of the date of randomization (unless approved by the Trial Coordinating Centre)
- Known presence of:
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid 4 mgAlso: FolateFolic Acid 1.0 mg or placebo x 4 tablets will be taken daily by oral administration. The majority of women in the study will routinely take 1.0 mg folic acid in a prenatal vitamin supplement, as recommended by their primary obstetrical provider; the study requirements do not require that participants change their practice. Therefore the actual total daily dose may be up to 5.1 mg of folic acid | Drug | Folic Acid 4 mg |
| PlaceboPlacebo x 4 tablets will be taken daily by oral administration. | Drug | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Preeclampsia
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestational age until 42 days postpartum (after delivery)
PE is defined as diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg on two occasions ≥4 hours apart and proteinuria developed in women greater than 20+0 weeks of gestation. Proteinuria is defined as: urinary protein ≥300mg in 24 hour urine collection OR in the absence of 24 hour collection, ≥2+ dipstick proteinuria, OR random protein-creatinine ratio ≥30mg protein/mmol. OR HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated, Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets) syndrome defined as: Haemolysis (characteristic peripheral blood smear), Serum LDH ≥ 600U/L, Serum AST ≥ 70U/L, and Platelet count <100 x109/L OR Superimposed pre-eclampsia, defined as history of pre-existing hypertension (diagnosed pre-pregnancy or before 20+0 weeks' gestation) with new proteinuria.
24 secondary outcomes
Maternal Death
Time frame: Time Frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until 42 days postpartum (after delivery)
Spontaneous Abortion
Time frame: Participants will be followed from randomization until 20+0 weeks of gestation
Placenta Abruption
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Premature Rupture of Membranes
Time frame: Participants will be followed from randomization (8-16 weeks' completed gestation) until the onset of labor
Preterm Birth
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks to 36+6 weeks of gestation
HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels & Low Platelet Count)
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Severe Preeclampsia
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery.
Antenatal Inpatient Length of Stay
Time frame: Participants will be followed from date of randomization (8-16 weeks' completed gestation) until admission for delivery
Stillbirth
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation up to delivery.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (<3rd Percentile)
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (<10th Percentile)
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until delivery
Neonatal Death
Time frame: Participants will be followed from birth until 28 days of life
Perinatal Mortality
Time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestation until 28 days of life.
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Time frame: Infants born to the participant will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks
Early Onset Sepsis
Time frame: Infants born to the participants will be followed first 48 hours of life.
Necrotising Enterocolitis
Time frame: Infants borm to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Time frame: Time Frame: Infants born to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks
Ventilation
Time frame: Infants born to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Need for Oxygen at 28 Days
Time frame: Infants to the participants will be followed for 28 days after birth.
Composite Severe Adverse Fetal/Neonatal Outcome
Time frame: Outcomes included in the composite outcome were measured for each of their respective time frames, up to 6-weeks after birth
Length of Stay in 'High Level' Neonatal Care Unit
Time frame: Infants to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Neonatal Death
Time frame: Infants to the participants will be followed for 28 days after birth.
Periventricular Leukomalacia
Time frame: Infants to the participants were followed for 28 days after birth.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Admission
Time frame: Infants to the participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, or up to 6 weeks.
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Jul 2020.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 37073421Muldoon KA, McLean C, El-Chaar D, Corsi DJ, Rybak N, Dagvadorj A, Guo Y, Rennicks White R, Dingwall-Harvey ALJ, Gaudet LM, Walker MC, Wen SW; FACT Collaborating Group. Persisting risk factors for preeclampsia among high-risk pregnancies already using prophylactic aspirin: a multi-country retrospective investigation. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;36(1):2200879. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2200879.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 33851221Rose EG, Murphy MSQ, Erwin E, Muldoon KA, Harvey ALJ, Rennicks White R, MacFarlane AJ, Wen SW, Walker MC. Gestational Folate and Folic Acid Intake among Women in Canada at Higher Risk of Pre-Eclampsia. J Nutr. 2021 Jul 1;151(7):1976-1982. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab063.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 32067533Corsi DJ, Gaudet LM, El-Chaar D, White RR, Rybak N, Harvey A, Muldoon K, Wen SW, Walker M. Effect of high-dose folic acid supplementation on the prevention of preeclampsia in twin pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2022 Feb;35(3):503-508. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1725882. Epub 2020 Feb 18.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 30209050Wen SW, White RR, Rybak N, Gaudet LM, Robson S, Hague W, Simms-Stewart D, Carroli G, Smith G, Fraser WD, Wells G, Davidge ST, Kingdom J, Coyle D, Fergusson D, Corsi DJ, Champagne J, Sabri E, Ramsay T, Mol BWJ, Oudijk MA, Walker MC; FACT Collaborating Group. Effect of high dose folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on pre-eclampsia (FACT): double blind, phase III, randomised controlled, international, multicentre trial. BMJ. 2018 Sep 12;362:k3478. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k3478.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 24349782Wen SW, Champagne J, Rennicks White R, Coyle D, Fraser W, Smith G, Fergusson D, Walker MC. Effect of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on preeclampsia: the folic acid clinical trial study. J Pregnancy. 2013;2013:294312. doi: 10.1155/2013/294312. Epub 2013 Nov 18.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Shi Wu Wen, PhD principal investigator
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Mark C Walker, MD principal investigator
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
72 sites in 5 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing Folic Acid 4 mg in people with Pregnancy Complications and Preeclampsia, run by Ottawa Hospital Research Institute at 72 sites in 5 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 12 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Jul 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 72 sites in United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Jamaica. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 7 Jul 2020). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Preeclampsia (time frame: Participants will be followed from 20+0 weeks of gestational age until 42 days postpartum (after delivery)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01355159, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Jul 2020.