Publication:

Efficacy of methyldopa versus nifedipine in mild and severe pregnancy induced hypertension

Background Hypertension and its associated disorders are major health concerns during pregnancy. Antihypertensive therapy prescribes, when blood pressure is >140/90 mm of Hg, to minimize elevated blood pressure. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of nifedipine and methyldopa in the antihypertensive treatment of mild and severe pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

Methods A total one hundred Patients attending antenatal clinic of the department between 26-37 weeks of gestation suffering from PIH were recruited. Participants were divided in to two groups i.e. group-I consists of 50 patients medicated with oral methyldopa and group-II consists of 50 patients treated with Nifedipine 10mg.

Results Methyldopa reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 162±19.6 to 140.3±10.01 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from 99.6±8.8 to 96.17±6.4. Nifedipine reduced SBP from 99.6±8.8 to 96.17±6.4 and DBP from 99.2± 7.4 to 93.45±12.3. Response to methyldopa and nifedipine was almost similar in mild PIH but in severe PIH, 65.5% of patients required additional drug atenolol for adequate control of PIH.

Conclusions Methyldopa and nifedipine are effective drugs for lowering blood pressure when given orally, Methyldopa was found to have a higher incidence of Intra uterine growth restriction while nifedipine was found to have an increased incidence of perinatal mortality.