use of nifedipine in the management of eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of nifedipine as an antihypertensive drug in the management of severe cases of preeclampsia and eclampsia. 260 patients [105 eclamptic and 155 with severe degree of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy [HDP], were treated with sublingual nifedipine as a first line antihypertensive drug. Eclamptic fits when present or impending were controlled with either diazepam or magnesium sulfate. Results indicated that there was a significant drop [p <0.01] in all parameters of blood pressure after nifedipine therapy. There was a strong correlation between the pre-treatment blood pressure and the magnitude of its reduction [p <0.01]. Fetal biophysical profile and heart rate tracings showed no deleterious effects of nifedipine. It was concluded that nifedipine therapy for eclampsia and severe hypertensive diseases of pregnancy is effective and safe for both mother and her fetus. It could be used as a first line antihypertensive in such cases