LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF 24-HOUR BLOOD-PRESS URE VARIATION IN NORMOTENSIVE PREGNANCY, PREECLAMPSIA AND HELLP-SYNDROME

Ante- and postpartum noninvasive 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure mea surements were performed in 18 normotensive pregnants and 36 patients with mild (n = 16) or severe preeclampsia (n = 12) or HELLP-syndrome ( n = 8). In contrast to normotensive pregnancy (n = 18) displaying a de cline of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in comparison with norm otensive non-pregnants, preeclamptic women demonstrate significantly e levated blood pressure profiles before delivery that remain elevated u p to the eighth week postpartum. 9 out of 12 patients with severe pree clampsia and 6 of 8 women with HELLP-syndrome show a nocturnal increas e of blood pressure within the first week postpartum and a non-dipping up to the eighth week after de livery. As a result of this. in preecl amptic women blood pressure control should be extended into the night and antihypertensive therapy should include a sufficient evening dose.