Effect of Calcium Channel Blockers Plus Low-Dosage Aspirin on Hypertensive Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated whether calcium channel blocker plus low-dosage aspirin therapy can reduce the incidence of hypertensive pregnancy complications and improved neonatal outcomes. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients from March 2011 to June 2013 were selected to join this trial according to the chronic hypertension criteria set by the Preface Bulletin of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They were broken down into an interventional group and a control group according to the severity and associated risks. The control group did not take any medicine, whereas the interventional group took either Norvasc (amlodipine besylate tablets) or Adalat (nifedipine controlled-release tablets) plus low-dosage aspirin and vitamin C. Both groups' baseline and outcome statistic data were reviewed retrospectively and compared. RESULTS: Although 39.4% patients of the interventional group developed superimposed preeclampsia, only 15.6% of the control group developed this complication; none of either group developed into more severe complications such as placental abruption, eclampsia, or HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count). A total of 15.1% of the interventional group had small-for-gestational-age neonates, whereas only 6.25% of the control group did. The neonatal weights of two groups did not show a statistically difference (P=.071) with 2,500 g as the benchmark. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium channel blockers plus low-dosage aspirin did not reduce the incidence of superimposed preeclampsia but help prevent it from developing into more severe complications. It did not improve small-for-gestational-age performance but improved the rate of birth weight greater than 2,500 g. The ladder management based on severity and associated risks level proved to be justified.