Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand · Jan 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialNifedipine or hydralazine as a first-line agent to control hypertension in severe preeclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is one of the most serious and common complications of pregnancy. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, and the vasodilator hydralazine have both been used as antihypertensive agents in this condition. The aim of this study was to determine which of these two agents is the most appropriate antihypertensive in the management of severe pre-eclampsia. ⋯ Nifedipine is safe and more effective than hydralazine in controlling blood pressure in severe pre-eclampsia. It has the added advantage of being cheaper and more widely available than the latter and is easily administered.