Comparison of efficacy of labetalol and methyldopa in Gestational Hypertension

Abstract

Aim: To compare the control of blood pressure after oral alpha methyldopa versus oral labetalol for management of gestational hypertension. Study design: prospective, comparative, observational study. Place & duration: The study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Central Park Teaching hospital, Lahore for six months i.e. 1st May 2018 to 31st October 2018. Methodology: Total 150 females were included in the study from OPD after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then females were randomly divided in two groups by using lottery method. In group A, females were given labetalol orally 100mg 2 times a day for 7 days. In group B, females were given 250mg methyldopa 3 times a day for 7 days. The females were followed-up in OPD after 8 days. After 8 days, females were evaluated for systolic blood pressure (SBP) & diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Results: In this study we compared labetalol with methyldopa for management of gestational hypertension. SBP (Labetalol: 123.41±7.42 vs. Methyldopa: 126.62±7.33, p-value=0.009) as well as DBP (Labetalol: 77.18±4.39 vs. Methyldopa: 79.64±5.9, p-value=0.005) were better controlled in patients received labetalol than alpha methyldopa. Conclusion: Labetalol is better than methyldopa in lowering blood pressure (systolic & diastolic) in women for management of gestational hypertension. Keywords: Management, gestational Hypertension, Systolic, Diastolic, Blood pressure, Alpha methyldopa