Original Articles FREQUENCY OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION IN GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION IN PRIMIGRAVIDA TREATED WITH NIFEDIPINE VERSUS LABETALOL

Abstract

Background:

It is estimated that about 6-8% of pregnancies are complicated by hypertensive pregnancy disorders, which cause the severe mother and fetal morbidity and death. The incidence of gestational hypertension is 6.3% worldwide. To treat hypertensive problems during pregnancy, several different medications have been employed.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of intrauterine growth retardation in gestational hypertension in primary gravida treated with nifedipine versus labetalol.

Material and Methods:

This study was a randomized controlled trial carried out at Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Unit-III, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore for six months from 26/09/2017 to 25/03/2018. In Group A patients were treated with Nifedipine whereas in Group B patients were treated with Labetalol. Within 30 minutes after delivery, a qualified operating room staff member assessed the
newborn birth weight using weighing equipment that was set to zero before usage. By using IBM SPSS
version 23, all the data was analyzed.

Results:

Mean birth weight was lower significantly in patients in the labetalol group in comparison to the nifedipine group (2.3±0.3 Kg vs. 2.6±0.3 Kg with a p-value of less than 0.01). The frequency of IUGR was higher significantly in patients of the labetalol group in comparison to nifedipine (22.4% vs. 6.9% with a p-value of 0.018).

Conclusion:

Nifedipine was found superior to labetalol in the treatment of patients with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy as its use was associated with significantly higher mean neonatal birth weight and significantly lower frequency of IUGR which recommends its routine use in future practice.