IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Dr Javid Iqbal; Dr Vikar Hussain Qazi; Dr Munaza Aman; Dr Yasmeen Kousar

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

Efficacy of Methyldopa versus Labetalol in the treatment of pregnancy induced hypertension. A randomized control trial.

Dr Javid Iqbal, Dr Vikar Hussain Qazi, Dr Munaza Aman, Dr Yasmeen Kousar

Abstract :

Background: Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy are one of the common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Aim and objectives: To compare the efficacy of treatment with methyldopa versus labetalol in women with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). Material and Methods: A total of 100 patients presenting with PIH were enrolled in this study. After taking written informed consent from patients who fulfill inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups. Group I comprised of 50 patients who were given methyldopa and Group II comprised of 50 patients who were given labetalol. Methyldopa was begun at a dosage of 750 mg per day (250mg thrice daily) whereas, labetalol was started at a dosage of 300 mg per day (100 mg thrice daily). Fall in mean systolic and diastolic BP was noted. Side effects of both drugs were recorded in both groups. Aim was to reduce and maintain blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. Results: Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 21–25 years. The mean gestational age at entry in group I was 33.6(SD=2.7) weeks and in group II was 33.7(SD=3.1) weeks. Labetalol caused more reduction in mean systolic and diastolic B.P. than methyldopa. In comparison to methyldopa, absolute fall seen in mean systolic B.P. with labetalol was statistically significant (p=0.01); while that seen in mean diastolic B.P. was also statistically significant (p=0.003). 14% of patients in Group I and 46% in Group II showed response within 24 hrs, while 60% of patients in Group I and 40% in Group II showed response in more than 24 hrs. This difference between two groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). Complete response was reported in 74% of patients in Group I and 86% in Group II. Failure of response was seen in 26% of patients in Group I and 14% in Group II. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (p=0.1). Side effects were more in Group 1, the difference between the two groups considering frequency of side effects was statistically significant (p=0.01) Conclusion: Labetalol has been found to be more advantageous than methyldopa in terms of better and quicker control of blood pressure with minimal side effects.