Intravenous labetalol versus oral nifedipine in the treatment of severe hypertension in pregnancy

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous labetalol versus oral nifedipine in the treatment of severe hypertension with pregnancy. Prospective, non-randomized. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. Fifty pregnant patients with severe hypertension [blood pressure >/= 160/110 mmHg]. The patients were consecutively given either intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine. The speed and adequacy of control of blood pressure was compared in both groups Both drugs were effective in the control of blood pressure, but nifedipine caused significant reduction of blood pressure in 20 minutes with a single dose i.e., with the first dose [p = 0.03]. The diastolic blood pressure reduction was also significant with nifedipine [15.1 +/- 6 Vs 8.3 +/- 2 mmHg] [p = 0.03]. Average time required was also less with nifedipine [24 +/- 8.2 Vs 44.21 +/- 26.31 minutes, p = 0.006]. Both drugs effectively controlled the blood pressure in severe hypertension in pregnancy. However, nifedipine faired better than labetalol in time taken, reduction of diastolic blood pressure and number of patients responding with first dose [i.e., in 20 minutes]