Does a Lower Target of Postpartum Blood Pressure Reduce Readmission Rates in Patients With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy? [ID: 1377089

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The classification of normal blood pressure in the general population, as determined by multiple organizations including the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and National Institutes of Health, has been evolving. In the pregnant and postpartum population, the threshold of normal blood pressure is higher. Postpartum hypertension has been estimated to affect 20% of women and plays a large role in maternal readmissions. In those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, the target postpartum blood pressure should be reevaluated in light of the lower thresholds of the general population. METHODS: This study included pregnant patients with singleton fetuses and a diagnosis of chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia who delivered at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center from January 2019 to 2022. The primary outcome was hospital readmission for a hypertensive diagnosis or related sequelae within the first 30 days of delivery. This study was approved by IRB ID 1735193-1. RESULTS: Out of 1,433 patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, 55 patients (3.8%) were readmitted because of hypertensive disorders or related complications. Patients with a maximum blood pressure after delivery of greater than or equal to 150/100 mm Hg were significantly more likely to be readmitted (odds ratio 1.99 [1.06, 3.75]). The maximum blood pressure on the day of discharge and oral antihypertensive initiation were not significantly associated with readmission. CONCLUSION: For postpartum patients with mild hypertension, a target blood pressure of below 150/100 mm Hg should be considered. Next steps include examining the effect of magnesium sulfate, furosemide, and discharge medication compliance in this population.