Committee Opinion No. 514

Abstract

Acute-onset, persistent (lasting 15 minutes or more), severe systolic (greater than or equal to 160 mm Hg) or severe diastolic hypertension (greater than or equal to 110 mm Hg) or both in pregnant or postpartum women with preeclampsia or eclampsia constitutes a hypertensive emergency. Severe systolic hypertension may be the most important predictor of cerebral hemorrhage and infarction in these patients and if not treated expeditiously can result in maternal death. Intravenous labetalol and hydralazine are both considered first-line drugs for the management of acute, severe hypertension in this clinical setting. Close maternal and fetal monitoring by the physician and nursing staff are advised. Order sets for the use of labetalol and hydralazine for the initial management of acute, severe hypertension in pregnant or postpartum women with preeclampsia or eclampsia have been developed.