Comparison of Intravenous Labetalol and Intravenous Hydralazine in Severe Preeclampsia

Comparison of the Efficacy of Intravenous Labetalol and Intravenous Hydralazine for the Treatment of Hypertension in Patients With Severe Preeclampsia.

Due to limited data regarding preeclampsia from the local population, the debate is still ongoing in the study setting. Hence, the current study was planned to compare the efficacy of labetalol and hydralazine for the treatment of hypertension in patients with severe preeclampsia.

As preeclampsia is associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity, the choice of a better antihypertensive in pregnancy is still debatable. The findings of this study would help evaluate the more efficacious drug between intravenous labetalol and intravenous hydralazine in the management of severe preeclampsia. Based on this empirical evidence, practical recommendations can be developed for routine practice guidelines regarding the optimal drug choice between the two for treating severe preeclampsia and eventually to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity for both the mother and fetus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• Both primiparous and multiparous women
• Aged 20-35 years
• Gestational age ≥20weeks (assessed on last menstrual period)
• With severe preeclampsia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergy to hydralazine or labetalol
• Deranged liver function tests due to any other cause
• Women with pre-existing hypertension systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg
• Patients receiving more than one antihypertensive drug since admission
• Women with chronic renal failure