Hydralazine versus Glyceryl Trinitrate in Severe Pre- Eclampsia and Eclampsia, a Comparative Study

Background: Hypertension during pregnancy is a common medical condition worldwide, occurring in 12-22% of all pregnancies. In the developed world, the incidence of hypertension and the severity of its complications is reduced markedly, because of the effective and widespread antenatal care services. However, hypertension still remains one of leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing coutnries.. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety profile of hydralazine with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in women with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Patients and Method: This quasi experimental study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sir, Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, over a period of six months, from July 2006 to January 2007. A total of 100 patients were included in this study. 50 patients were given hydralazine and 50 patients received Nitroglycerine. Results: In groups A and B, mean age was 26.8 ± 5.6and 25.4 ± 4.8, respectively. In both groups, the systolic and diastolic blood pressures of patients were not significantly different from each other. Mean time needed to achieve effective blood pressure control in group A (hydralazine) was 31.0 ± 13.9 minutes and in group B (GTN) was 23.± 20.3 minutes. Time interval between effective blood pressure control and new hypertensive crisis was significantly prolonged in group A (96.1 ± 27.2 Vs 73.8 ± 18.1, P < 0.05) Conclusion: GTN takes less time for effective control of blood pressure than hydralazine and safety profile is comparable with hydralazine.