Publication:

A comparative study of maternal and fetal outcomes following induction of labour versus expectant management in mild gestational hypertension at term

Background To compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes between planned induction of labour and expectant management in women with mild gestational hypertension at term.

Methods A prospective hospital based observational study. The 120 pregnant women with mild gestational hypertension were randomized in a 1:1 ratio either to receive immediate induction of labour (group A comprising 60 women) or expectant management (group B comprising 60 women). Primary outcomes were incidence of any maternal mortality, renal failure, pulmonary oedema, need for ICU care or post-partum eclampsia and also composite maternal morbidity like severe gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, abruption and PPH. Secondary outcomes were mode of delivery, need for antihypertensives and MgSO4.

Results Though there were no maternal death or renal or pulmonary complications in any group, progression to severe hypertension was more in group B (expectant management) compared to group A (immediate induction) (18.33% vs. 3.33%). Increased incidence of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were noted in group B (15% and 3%) as compared to group A (0%). Incidence of Abruption and PPH was less in group A 1.67% and 5% compared to group B 3.33% and 10 % respectively. Spontaneous vaginal delivery rate was low and caesarean section rates were high in group A (61.67% and 31.67%) compared to group B (68.33% and 25% respectively). Need for antihypertensive and MgSO4 were less in group A (3.33% each) compared to group B (18.33% and 16.66% respectively).

Conclusions Requirement of antihypertensive, progression to severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, use of MgSO4, incidence of abruption, PPH were less in group A compared to group B. However, induction at completion of 37 weeks may be associated with increased incidence of operative deliveries.