©2022 Stanford Medicine
Cabergoline for Lactation Inhibition After Second-Trimester Abortion or Loss
Not Recruiting
Trial ID: NCT04701333
Purpose
This research study investigates the use of a drug, cabergoline, given immediately after
second-trimester abortion or perinatal loss to decrease breast engorgement. Cabergoline is a
medication approved for the symptomatic treatment of pituitary adenomas that result in a
hyperprolactinemic state (a brain tumor that results in milk leakage). The benefit of
stopping milk leakage has also been studied and used in populations who shouldn't breastfeed.
The investigators aim to clarify if cabergoline is effective in preventing breast engorgement
and milk leakage after second-trimester abortions or perinatal loss (stillbirth). Breast
engorgement causes physical pain and emotional distress as lactation is uniquely associated
with parenthood and those undergoing second-trimester abortions are doing so because they
choose not to parent or a previously desired pregnancy is now complicated by anomalies. As
there are no current recommendations for management of this painful engorgement beyond
icepacks and support bras, the investigators aim to validate the use of this pharmacologic
option in this setting.
Official Title
Cabergoline for Lactation Inhibition After Second-Trimester Abortion or Loss
Stanford Investigator(s)
Andrea Henkel
Clinical Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant people, ages 18 years or older
- Intrauterine pregnancy between 18/0-28/0 weeks of gestation age (by ultrasound dating
performed prior to or same day of enrollment visit)
- Consented for an induced, elective abortion or undergoing induction for demise
- English or Spanish speaking
- Able to consent for a research study, literate in English or Spanish
- Willing to comply with study procedures and follow-up
- Access to smart phone throughout study
Exclusion Criteria:
- Prior mastectomy (breast reduction or chest masculinization surgery acceptable)
- Currently breastfeeding
- Currently receiving dopamine agonist therapy for other indication (prolactinoma,
Cushings syndrome, acromegaly, restless leg syndrome)
- Contraindication to cabergoline (as per package insert)
- Uncontrolled hypertension - defined as baseline BP > 150/100, or chronic
hypertension requiring more than one baseline medication, or pregnancy-induced
hypertension spectrum disorders (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia,
eclampsia)
- History of cardiac valvular disorders or valvular repair
- History of pulmonary, pericardial, or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders
Intervention(s):
drug: Cabergoline 1 MG
drug: Placebo
Not Recruiting
Contact Information
Stanford University
School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford,
CA
94305
Andrea Henkel, MD
650-721-1562