Am. Elqarmalawi et al., LABETALOL VS METHYLDOPA IN THE TREATMENT OF PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION, International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics, 49(2), 1995, pp. 125-130
Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of labetalol compared wit
h methyldopa in the management of mild and moderate cases of pregnancy
-induced hypertension (PIH). Methods: One hundred four primigravidas w
ith PIH were randomly allocated to receive either labetalol (group A)
or methyldopa (group B). The dose of the drugs was doubled every 48 h
to maintain a mean arterial blood pressure less than or equal to 103.6
mmHg. Clinico-biochemical effects and frequency of side effects were
studied. The statistical level of significance was taken at P < 0.05.
Results: Ten patients in group B (18.5%) developed significant protein
uria (>30 mg/dl) whereas none developed proteinuria in group A. Labeta
lol was quicker and more efficient at controlling blood pressure, havi
ng a beneficial effect on renal functions and causing fewer side effec
ts compared with methyldopa. The rate of induction of labor and rate o
f cesarean section for uncontrolled PIH was less in group A (48% and 1
%, respectively) compared with group B (63.0% and 5.6%, respectively).
Moreover a higher Bishop score at induction of labor was noticed in g
roup A. Conclusions: Labetalol is better tolerated than methyldopa, gi
ves more efficient control of blood pressure and may have a ripening e
ffect on the uterine cervix.