Oral Nifedipine Versus Intravenous Labetalol for Severe Hypertension During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Issue 4 (December 2016) - Shekhar, S.
Abstract : ( BJOG. 2016;123(1):40–47) Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect 10% of pregnant women, and are a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Oral nifedipine, along with intravenous labetalol and hydralazine, are recommended for the treatment of severe hypertension in parturients by most authorities. Despite the low cost, wide availability and easy administration of nifedipine, usage patterns suggest a strong preference among most physicians for the use of labetalol. This may reflect a lack of trust in oral nifedipine use for pregnant women among health care providers, perhaps due to reports of adverse cardiovascular events or concern about a potential effect on uterine activity. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of oral nifedipine for treatment of severe hypertension of pregnancy, compared with that of intravenous labetalol.