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| Authors | A Serracino Inglott L M Azzopardi M Zarb Adami V Azzopardi |
| Abstract | Aim: To record incidence and to evaluate management of pregnancyinduced hypertension (PIH). Method: A retrospective study covering a one-year period where patients with PIH attending the Obstetrics Clinic at St Lukes Hospital were identified and the number of cases of PIH, management of PIH, and delivery outcomes for PIH patients were documented. The Pearson Chi-squared test and the paired t-test were undertaken using the BMDP software. Results: During the period studied, there were 2008 patients presenting at the clinic between 16th and 20th week of gestation. Of these, 83 (4%) were diagnosed with PIH: 50 (60%)- primagravida and 33 (40%)-multigravida. Management: 57 patients (69%) were recommended bed rest and dietary changes and 26 patients (31%) were prescribed drug therapy. The drug therapy recommended was (n=26): labetolol- 22 (85%), aspirin- 2 (7%), methyldopa and hydralazine- 1 (4%). The mean duration of labetolol therapy was 33.5 days (1-100) and the mean gestational age at start of labetolol treatment- 31 weeks (range: 24weeks-post-partum). Patients receiving labetolol (PIH labetolol) had a significantly higher mean arterial pressure during pregnancy compared to non-drug therapy PIH patients and to normotensive pregnant patients (control patients) (p<0.05). PIH patients had a significantly longer hospitalisation period than control patients (p<0.05). The PIH labetolol group patients had a lower mean gestational age at delivery (36.8 weeks) when compared to non-drug therapy PIH patients (38.6 weeks) and to control patients (38.9 weeks) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of PIH was 4%. Labetolol was the drug of choice in severe conditions whilst diet and bed rest were recommended in mild hypertension. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | audit, labetalol, obstetric management, pregnancy induced hypertension |