THE ROLE OF ORAL LABETALOL AND NIFEDIPINE IN THE TREATMENT OF PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION

ABSTRACT

Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical disorders encountered during pregnancy and are responsible for 15% of the maternal deaths in India. According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) hypertension in pregnancy is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mm Hg or higher and Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg or higher after 20 weeks of gestation with previous normal BP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of oral Labetalol and Nifedipine in the management of pregnancy-induced hypertension. The study designed as a prospective observational study. A specially designed data entry form was used to enter all patient data like Name, Age, Past Medical & Medication history, obstetric history, Lab values, Blood pressure, Immunization status, Current treatment & Drug related problems. Pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension prescribed with either Labetalol or Nifedipine were selected. Main outcome measures include monitoring of side effects of Labetalol and Nifedipine and efficacy of both drugs. Blood pressures were measured using sphygmomanometer. The two groups were followed until delivery and are interviewed for any side effects. In conclusion Labetalol is very effective in controlling pregnancy-induced hypertension, with an exception of high cost. Nifedipine remains a better alternative because of its rapidity in action in controlling blood pressure even in hypertensive emergencies very effectively.

KEYWORDS: Hypertensive Disorders, Efficacy, Labetalol, Nifedipine.