Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oral administration of labetalol, an αβ-blocker, might be useful for managing blood pressure (BP) in women with severe pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).
Methods: Thirty-four pregnant women with severe hypertension (≥160/110 mmHg) were enrolled (15 preeclampsia [PE] and 19 gestational hypertension [GH]). Labetalol was given orally at 300–400 mg daily, and mean arterial pressure (MAP), the numeric rating scale (NRS) for headache, the double product (DP) as a work index of cardiac function, and fetal heart monitoring were observed for 3 days.
Results: Thirty patients continued to take labetalol for 3 days. Four PE patients were dropped out. Fifteen showed a decrease of more than 10% in MAP and were considered responders, while 19 showed a decrease of less than 10% and were considered non-responders. Labetalol appeared to be more effective in GH (11/19) than in PE (4/15). The NRS was improved in both groups (6 PE and 7 GH), as was DP (13 GH and 8 PE). Unfavorable changes in fetal heart rates were seen in 3 (1 PE and 2 GH).
Conclusion: The oral administration of labetalol might control the hypertension as well as the clinical symptoms in GH.
