Comparison of oral amlodipine with oral labetalol in achieving blood pressure control in women with postpartum hypertension - A randomised control study.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a common non-communicable disease, the incidence of which has increased with urbanization. Hypertension-complicating pregnancy includes chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Postpartum hypertension peaks 3-6 days after birth. Data from RCT's to compare labetalol and amlodipine in postpartum women are minimal highlighting the necessity of this study which compared the efficacy of the two drugs in the management of postpartum hypertension.

METHODS

This prospective randomized control trial included 202 women with persistent postpartum hypertension between 2022 and 2023 and divided them into two groups: labetalol (n = 101) and amlodipine (n = 101). Eligible women had SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and DBP ≥ 90 mmHg.

RESULTS

When comparing blood pressure control within 48 h, 19.8% of the labetalol group attained blood pressure control in < 48 h. In comparison, 38.6% of patients in the amlodipine group achieved better blood pressure control within 48 h, and the difference between these two proportions was significant. The length of hospital stays after treatment significantly differed between the two groups (2.8 ± 1.4 days) in the labetalol group and (2.0 ± 1.2 days) in the amlodipine group. There was also a significant difference in the number of doses required and the need for additional antihypertensives, all showing significant differences (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The study concluded oral amlodipine may be a better option than labetalol for treating postpartum hypertension. Amlodipine achieved blood pressure control within a significantly shorter time and number of doses. It also reduced the duration of hospital stay and the need for additional antihypertensives.