Pharmacologic treatment of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Pregnancy complicated by hypertension is a common problem faced by clinicians. It can lead to substantial maternal and/or fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. There are a variety of medications that can be used during pregnancy either for treatment of significant chronic hypertension or in cases of acute severe hypertension. Most antihypertensive drugs have been shown to be safe for use in pregnancy. A variety of medications are available to treat more severe hypertension, although the use of pharmacologic therapy to treat mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy has not been supported in the literature. The data are more limited concerning drugs that would be used in the event of hypertensive emergencies or in an intensive care setting; however, in such a situation, maternal health and life become paramount and, despite lack of good studies, appropriate treatment should be rendered.
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Roy L and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. jerome-yankowitz@uiowa.edu
Jerome
J
Yankowitz
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004232:Diuretics