Hydralazine Versus Nifedipine For Acute Hypertensive Emergency In Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;217:687.e1–687.e6) Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can contribute to maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Timely antihypertensive therapy is recommended to lower severe hypertension in preeclamptic women during pregnancy. Intravenous hydralazine, intravenous labetalol, and oral nifedipine are commonly used to control the blood pressure (BP) in such women, but there is a paucity of evidence regarding the best option for the acute control of BP in the setting of severe sustained hypertension. This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of 2 commonly used agents—intravenous hydralazine and oral nifedipine—for controlling acute severe hypertension in pregnant women with preeclampsia.