Newsroom

Landmark folic acid trial in pregnant women recruits final patient


December 9, 2015

After 54 months, one of The Ottawa Hospital’s largest randomized controlled clinical trials has recruited its final patient – number 2,464. The trial, led by Drs. Mark Walker and Shi Wu Wen, is evaluating the effectiveness of the vitamin folic acid in preventing preeclampsia in pregnant women in five countries. Preeclampsia affects about five per cent of pregnant women worldwide, and is characterized by high blood pressure and leakage of protein into the urine. Preeclampsia is responsible for one-third of all pregnancy-related deaths worldwide. Currently, the only way to cure preeclampsia is to deliver a baby – which often happens well before the due date resulting in preterm births. The results could change medical practice worldwide. See International Innovation for details.

About The Ottawa Hospital


The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

For further information, please contact


Jennifer Ganton
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73325
Cell: 613-614-5253
jganton@ohri.ca