Postpartum Hypertension (PPHT)Phase 4PEACENCT06915792
PEACE Trial: Postpartum Evaluation of Antihypertensive Cessation and Efficacy
A Phase 4 study testing Labetalol and Nifedipine in people with Postpartum Hypertension (PPHT), run by University of California, Los Angeles at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial compares two common medications, labetalol and extended-release nifedipine, to determine which is more effective at managing postpartum high blood pressure. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 64 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Postpartum Hypertension (PPHT)
- What is being tested?
- Labetalol and Nifedipine
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 110 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2025to 31 Oct 2027
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 to 64 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥18 years Delivery at study institution at ≥28 weeks gestation Postpartum SBP > 150 and/or DBP > 100 OR 2 or more SBP > 140 and/or DBP > 90 within a 24-hour period Require initiation of an oral antihypertensive medication during postpartum hospital stay or within 7 days of discharge Treating obstetric team amenable to starting either study medication
Who cannot join
- Treated with oral antihypertensive medications prior to delivery Known allergies or contraindications to nifedipine or labetalol History of moderate persistent to severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, or greater than first-degree atrioventricular heart block Unable to provide written informed consent in English
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
UCLA Ronald Reagan
Los Angeles, California, 90095
Tina A Nguyen, MD, 9176260405, TinaANguyen@mednet.ucla.edu
About this study
Official title: Postpartum Evaluation of Antihypertensive Cessation and Efficacy (PEACE): A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Oral Labetalol and Oral Extended-Release Nifedipine for Managing Postpartum Hypertension
This randomized controlled trial compares two common medications, labetalol and extended-release nifedipine, to determine which is more effective at managing postpartum high blood pressure. We hypothesize that extended-release nifedipine will better control blood pressure and reduce the need for continued medication beyond six weeks postpartum. The study will enroll 110 postpartum participants, randomly assigning them to one of the two medications, with remote blood pressure monitoring to evaluate treatment effectiveness and inform postpartum hypertension management.
Read the detailed description
Hypertensive disorders complicate approximately 10% of pregnancies in the United States and are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. These conditions often emerge or persist after delivery, leading to postpartum hypertension. Postpartum hypertension has been associated with the development of chronic hypertension and other cardiovascular concerns, as well as risk of severe complications such as stroke and seizure, and represents a substantial reason for hospital readmission. While oral labetalol and oral extended-release nifedipine are the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications, there is limited evidence comparing their efficacy in managing postpartum hypertension. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the outcomes of these medications on sustained blood pressure control in the postpartum period.
This prospective randomized controlled trial plans to enroll 110 participants with 55 individuals randomized to receive either oral labetalol or oral extended-release nifedipine. The primary outcome is continuation of antihypertensive medication beyond 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes include postpartum hospital readmission, medication side effects, and medication failure, defined as the need to switch the study medication or to add a second antihypertensive agent.
The study population will consist of postpartum adults with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy admitted at a tertiary care center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, following delivery at ≥28 weeks gestation. Eligible individuals will have elevated postpartum blood pressures requiring initiation of an oral antihypertensive medication during their postpartum hospital stay or within 7 days of discharge. Individuals who have been treated with oral antihypertensive medication prior to delivery, contraindications to nifedipine or labetalol, or severe comorbidities will be excluded. On discharge, participants will be enrolled in remote blood pressure monitoring; blood pressure logs will be monitored daily by a dedicated nurse and overseen by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who will make any necessary medication adjustments. Apart from random assignment of the study medication, all postpartum care will proceed as usual according to the study institution's standard clinical protocols.
This study is designed to provide evidence to inform clinical guidelines that address the clinical needs of high-risk patients, potentially reducing maternal morbidity and improving care. Participation is voluntary, with informed consent obtained prior to enrollment. Close monitoring through remote monitoring and follow-up visits with the research team and primary obstetrician will ensure participant safety throughout the study.
- Conditions
- Postpartum Hypertension (PPHT)
- Being tested
- Labetalol, Nifedipine
- Keywords
- postpartum hypertension, blood pressure control, labetalol, nifedipine, antihypertensive therapy, pregnancy hypertension, maternal health, randomized controlled
- Medical subject headings
- Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
LabetalolDrug
Labetalol is a beta-blocker commonly used to manage hypertension in pregnancy and postpartum. In this study, oral labetalol will be initiated at 200mg twice or three times daily and adjusted up to 2400 mg/day as needed for blood pressure control.
NifedipineDrug
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to manage hypertension in pregnancy and postpartum. In this study, oral extended-release nifedipine will be initiated at 30mg once daily and adjusted up to 120mg/day as needed for blood pressure control.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Labetalol | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive oral labetalol to manage postpartum hypertension. The starting dose will be 200 mg twice or three times daily (BID or TID), with adjustments up to 2400 mg/day (800 mg TID) as needed. Receives: Drug: Labetalol |
| Nifedipine | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive oral extended-release nifedipine to manage postpartum hypertension. The starting dose will be 30 mg once daily, with adjustments up to 120 mg/day as needed Receives: Drug: Nifedipine |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Continuation of antihypertensive medication
The proportion of participants who continue to require antihypertensive medication beyond 6 weeks postpartum
Measured: 6 week postpartum
Secondary outcomes (3)
Postpartum hospital readmission
The number of participants requiring hospital readmission for hypertension-related complications.
Measured: 6 weeks postpartum
Treatment failure
The proportion of participants requiring a medication switch or the addition of a second antihypertensive agent to achieve blood pressure control.
Measured: 6 weeks postpartum
Patient-reported medication side effects
The frequency and type of medication-related side effects reported by participants.
Measured: 6 weeks postpartum
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Apr 2025
- Study start1 Jun 2025
- Primary completion31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Oct 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postpartum Hypertension (PPHT)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of California, Los AngelesThe 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 4
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 110 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Tina A. Nguyen, MD, University of California, Los Angeles
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06915792
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IRB-24-6051
- Acronym
- PEACE
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 31 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 5 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Postpartum Evaluation of Antihypertensive Cessation and Efficacy (PEACE): A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Oral Labetalol and Oral Extended-Release Nifedipine for Managing Postpartum Hypertension
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06915792
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PEACE / IRB-24-6051
- Conditions
- Postpartum Hypertension (PPHT)
- Keywords
- postpartum hypertension, blood pressure control, labetalol, nifedipine, antihypertensive therapy, pregnancy hypertension, maternal health, randomized controlled
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 110 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, Los AngelesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial compares two common medications, labetalol and extended-release nifedipine, to determine which is more effective at managing postpartum high blood pressure. We hypothesize that extended-release nifedipine will better control blood pressure and reduce the need for continued medication beyond six weeks postpartum. The study will enroll 110 postpartum participants, randomly assigning them to one of the two medications, with remote blood pressure monitoring to evaluate treatment effectiveness and inform postpartum hypertension management.
Detailed description
Hypertensive disorders complicate approximately 10% of pregnancies in the United States and are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. These conditions often emerge or persist after delivery, leading to postpartum hypertension. Postpartum hypertension has been associated with the development of chronic hypertension and other cardiovascular concerns, as well as risk of severe complications such as stroke and seizure, and represents a substantial reason for hospital readmission. While oral labetalol and oral extended-release nifedipine are the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications, there is limited evidence comparing their efficacy in managing postpartum hypertension. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the outcomes of these medications on sustained blood pressure control in the postpartum period.
This prospective randomized controlled trial plans to enroll 110 participants with 55 individuals randomized to receive either oral labetalol or oral extended-release nifedipine. The primary outcome is continuation of antihypertensive medication beyond 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes include postpartum hospital readmission, medication side effects, and medication failure, defined as the need to switch the study medication or to add a second antihypertensive agent.
The study population will consist of postpartum adults with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy admitted at a tertiary care center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, following delivery at ≥28 weeks gestation. Eligible individuals will have elevated postpartum blood pressures requiring initiation of an oral antihypertensive medication during their postpartum hospital stay or within 7 days of discharge. Individuals who have been treated with oral antihypertensive medication prior to delivery, contraindications to nifedipine or labetalol, or severe comorbidities will be excluded. On discharge, participants will be enrolled in remote blood pressure monitoring; blood pressure logs will be monitored daily by a dedicated nurse and overseen by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who will make any necessary medication adjustments. Apart from random assignment of the study medication, all postpartum care will proceed as usual according to the study institution's standard clinical protocols.
This study is designed to provide evidence to inform clinical guidelines that address the clinical needs of high-risk patients, potentially reducing maternal morbidity and improving care. Participation is voluntary, with informed consent obtained prior to enrollment. Close monitoring through remote monitoring and follow-up visits with the research team and primary obstetrician will ensure participant safety throughout the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Labetalol | Experimental | Drug: LabetalolParticipants in this arm will receive oral labetalol to manage postpartum hypertension. The starting dose will be 200 mg twice or three times daily (BID or TID), with adjustments up to 2400 mg/day (800 mg TID) as needed. |
| Nifedipine | Experimental | Drug: NifedipineParticipants in this arm will receive oral extended-release nifedipine to manage postpartum hypertension. The starting dose will be 30 mg once daily, with adjustments up to 120 mg/day as needed |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 64 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age ≥18 years Delivery at study institution at ≥28 weeks gestation Postpartum SBP > 150 and/or DBP > 100 OR 2 or more SBP > 140 and/or DBP > 90 within a 24-hour period Require initiation of an oral antihypertensive medication during postpartum hospital stay or within 7 days of discharge Treating obstetric team amenable to starting either study medication
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Treated with oral antihypertensive medications prior to delivery Known allergies or contraindications to nifedipine or labetalol History of moderate persistent to severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, or greater than first-degree atrioventricular heart block Unable to provide written informed consent in English
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 |
|---|---|---|
| LabetalolLabetalol is a beta-blocker commonly used to manage hypertension in pregnancy and postpartum. In this study, oral labetalol will be initiated at 200mg twice or three times daily and adjusted up to 2400 mg/day as needed for blood pressure control. | Drug | Labetalol |
| NifedipineNifedipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to manage hypertension in pregnancy and postpartum. In this study, oral extended-release nifedipine will be initiated at 30mg once daily and adjusted up to 120mg/day as needed for blood pressure control. | Drug | Nifedipine |
Primary outcome
Continuation of antihypertensive medication
Time frame: 6 week postpartum
The proportion of participants who continue to require antihypertensive medication beyond 6 weeks postpartum
3 secondary outcomes
Postpartum hospital readmission
Time frame: 6 weeks postpartum
Treatment failure
Time frame: 6 weeks postpartum
Patient-reported medication side effects
Time frame: 6 weeks postpartum
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 4 study testing Labetalol and Nifedipine in people with Postpartum Hypertension (PPHT), run by University of California, Los Angeles at 1 site in United States.
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. 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. 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 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Tina A Nguyen, MD (310-794-7274, tinaanguyen@mednet.ucla.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Continuation of antihypertensive medication (time frame: 6 week postpartum). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 5 Jun 2026.