Challenges associated with hypertensive disease during pregnancy in low-income countries.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the challenges associated with the diagnosis, management, and prevention of hypertensive disease during pregnancy in low-income countries, following the success of the Magpie Trial.


METHODS
Descriptive review of the literature from 1990 to 2009 on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of hypertensive disease in pregnancy.


RESULTS
In the absence of credible measures to predict and prevent hypertension in pregnancy, diagnosis and treatment remain the only viable options, although they are still associated with important challenges in low-income countries. Despite the presence of high-quality evidence that magnesium sulfate is safe and effective at preventing and treating eclampsia, its use is extremely limited in many low-income countries.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for cheap and reliable tools with which to address the diagnostic, preventive, and management challenges associated with hypertensive disease during pregnancy in low-income countries. It is recommended that such countries incorporate magnesium sulfate protocols into their national health and/or practice policies.
Danso
Kwabena A
KA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. kadanso1443@yahoo.com
Opare-Addo
Henry S
HS
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D046110:Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate