Labor analgesia for the parturient with pregnancy-induced hypertension: what does an obstetrician need to know?

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), also known as preeclampsia, remains one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. The term preeclampsia describes the development of hypertension with proteinuria and/or pathologic edema after the 20th week of gestation. The parturient with PIH usually has multiple organ alterations, which may affect the selection of analgesia and anesthesia for labor and delivery.

DISCUSSION: This article reviews the special concerns posed by PIH, one of the most common medical conditions encountered in pregnancy.