Publication

Abstract : Objective: To compare the effects of Nifedipine and Methyldopa on maternal blood pressure as well as fetal outcome in patients with Pre-eclampsia. Design: A randomized control study. Subjects: A total of 120 patients with PIH were allocated alternatively to either group. The patients in Group A received methyldopa (250 mg/day); Group B received methyldopa along with atenolol (25 mg/day) and Group C received nifedipine (10 mg/day). Measurements: Blood pressure, blood counts, kidney function tests, lipid profiles, urin alysis, Apgar score, baby birth weight, in relation to parity, recurrent fits, mode of delivery, length of hospital stay and Perinatal outcomes were noted. Results: The mean blood pressure on entry was 152/104 mm/Hg in the group. During treatment the mean diastolic pressure was significantly reduced in nifedipine group (16%) p<0.0001. There were no changes in lipid profiles were triglycerides (178.2 7.239) and high density lipoprotein (32.225 9.614) p-0.0285 were increased. Platelet count was decreased in all treatment groups with p value 0.0003. Serum creatinine was elevated (1.71 0.0873) and uric acid with mean (7.705 0.0401). The results showed no difference between the groups with respect to mode of delivery and baby birth weight. Conclusion: The results showed that nifedipine treatment lead to a better BP control and a safer fetal outcome with reduction of blood pressure, proteinuria, serum creatinine level and platelet count in normal range. Apgar score was better for nifedipine when compared to methyldopa or methyldopa along with atenolol.