Currently there is no intervention to prevent persistent postpartum hypertension in preeclamptic women. Physiologically, the use of a pharmacokinetically predictable loop-diuretic is a reasonable intervention to increase elimination of extra fluid accumulated secondary to preeclampsia.The purpose of this study is to assess if Torsemide reduces the incidence of persistent postpartum hypertension in preeclamptic women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Postpartum women at ≥ 18 years of age
• Antepartum/intrapartum or within 24 hours postpartum diagnosis of either:
• Preeclampsia
• Preeclampsia with severe features
• Preeclampsia superimposed to chronic hypertension

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic hypertension without superimposed preeclampsia
• Gestational hypertension
• Urine output < 30 cc/h at time of randomization
• Heart failure or pulmonary edema
• Hypersensitivity to Torsemide or sulfonylureas
• Hypokalemia (serum potassium < 3 mEq/L)
• Preexisting diuretic use within 24 hours prior to randomization

6 weeks

Only related adverse events were recorded. Blood potassium levels were only collected for 22 in the torsemide group and 31 in the placebo group, thus only 22 in the torsemide group and 31 in the placebo group are indicated as at risk for hypokalemia.

Median hospital stay <3 days, but sample size powered to detect differences in up to 5 days. High rate of clinic no-shows. Not powered to detect differences in secondary outcomes. Edema measurements done with stocking, which may affect reliability.