MitoQ to Improve Vascular Funciton in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of effective therapeutics for prevention or treatment. Our previous ex vivo work demonstrated that mitochondrial-antioxidants can reverse placental microvascular damage. Therefore, this study will evaluate whether MitoQ (Mitoquinol Mesylate, a mitochondrial-antioxidant) has the potential to restore vasodilation, improve placental function, and therefore promote pregnancy prolongation in patients with gestational hypertension (gHTN) and/or preeclampsia. This evaluation of clinical data, patient samples, and vascular function studies in patients with gHTN and/or preeclampsia could translate into a viable therapeutic option.

Inclusion Criteria: * Inpatient Cohort * pregnant patients with a clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features * gestational age between 23+0 and 33+0 weeks' gestation * singleton pregnancy * age 18-50 years old * No indication for immediate delivery (e.g. the patient and their physician team have planned expectant management of preeclampsia with severe features * Able to consent and follow a 2-step commend * English speaking * Outpatient Cohort * Pregnant patients with a clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia without severe features or gestational hypertension * gestational age between 23+0 and 34+0 weeks gestation * singleton pregnancy * age 18-50 years old * No indication for immediate delivery * Planned outpatient management of preeclampsia * Able to consent and follow a 2-step commend * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to stand from chair without physical assistance from another person (able to use assistive device). * History of blood clots in the extremities or any condition in which compression of the thigh or transient ischemia is contraindicated (i.e., wounds in the leg). * Chronic lasting symptoms (\> 6 months) of severe COVID-19 (i.e., hospitalization) * History of head trauma or concussion within the past 6 months * Comorbid neurological disorder * Peripheral vascular disease * Diagnosed myocardial infarction or arrhythmia in the previous year * Resting SBP ≥180 mmHg or DBP ≥ 100 mmHg * Other significant medical condition likely to influence study or jeopardize safety as assessed by the Primary Investigator