Abstract

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), a common medical problem, is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Aim of the study was to compare the obstetric outcome of methyldopa and labetalol in the management of PIH. 
Methods: Total 120 patients having PIH were included and was divided into two groups. Group A: Methyldopa and Group B: Labetalol, doses as needed. Pre and post treatment blood pressure was measured on day 2nd, 7th and day 21st and was compared. Reduction of blood pressure, obstetric outcome and side effects of methyldopa and labetalol were observed.
Results: Mean Blood pressure in group A: Pre-treatment - 157/104±10 mmHg, on 2nd day - 137/89±10 mmHg, on 7th day - 127/85±10 mmHg and on 21st day - 120/78±10 mmHg. And in group B mean blood pressure was: pre-treatment 162/108±10 mmHg, on 2nd day - 130/84±10 mmHg, on 7th day - 122/80±10 mmHg and on 21st day - 115/74±10 mmHg. No significant difference was found between the two groups (p>0.05). It was observed that about 25% of spontaneous vaginal deliveries happened with methyldopa users and 35% among labetalol users. Regarding induced deliveries 22% were with methyldopa and 28% with labetalol. And, LUCS had to be done in 53% with methyldopa and 37% with labetalol. Preterm deliveries were 35% with methyldopa and 30% with labetalol.
Conclusion: Methyldopa and Labetalol have effectively controlled the blood pressure in PIH patients, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups.

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