Cabergoline for Lactation Inhibition After Second-Trimester Abortion or Loss

Summary

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.

Timeline

Start

2021-04-01

Primary completion

2022-06-24

Completion

2023-03-01

Publications

• Henkel A, Reeves MF, Shaw KA. The experience of breast symptoms after second-trimester abortion or pregnancy loss. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Mar;230(3):e3-e5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.025. Epub 2023 Oct 18. No abstract available.
• Henkel A, Johnson SA, Reeves MF, Cahill EP, Blumenthal PD, Shaw KA. Cabergoline for Lactation Inhibition After Second-Trimester Abortion or Pregnancy Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Jun 1;141(6):1115-1123. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005190. Epub 2023 May 3.

Drugs

Indications