American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jul 1984
Clinical TrialControl of preeclamptic hypertension by ketanserin, a new serotonin receptor antagonist.
We investigated the effect of peripheral serotonin receptor blockade on preeclamptic hypertension in 20 postpartum patients by the use of ketanserin, a serotonin receptor antagonist. In a study consisting of a double-blind crossover with placebo, parenteral ketanserin significantly reduced blood pressure from 167/105 to 126/71 mm Hg compared to a decline from 157/98 to 150/91 mm Hg for the placebo (p less than 0.001). ⋯ Side effects were minimal. The results demonstrate that preeclamptic hypertension can be controlled by ketanserin and suggest that serotonin may have a role in the modulation of preeclampsia.