LABETALOL VS METHYLDOPA IN THE TREATMENT OF PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION

Citation
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
Citations number
22
Categorie Soggetti
Obsetric & Gynecology
ISSN journal
00207292
Volume
49
Issue
2
Year of publication
1995
Pages
125 - 130
Database
ISI
SICI code
0020-7292(1995)49:2<125:LVMITT>2.0.ZU;2-P
Abstract
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.