INTRAVENOUS LABETALOL VERSUS INTRAVENOUS HYDRALAZINE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION - AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: Hypertension during pregnancy, particularly severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Effective management is crucial, with hydralazine and labetalol being commonly used antihypertensive agents. However, their comparative efficacy and safety in PIH remain unclear. To compare Objective: the efficacy of hydralazine and labetalol in controlling blood pressure in pregnant women with severe PIH and to assess maternal and fetal outcomes. A prospective study at Government Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar, from March 2015 to Novembe Methods: r 2016, involved 160 pregnant women with severe PIH (SBP ≥ 160 mmHg or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous hydralazine or labetalol. Blood pressure control, maternal complications, and fetal outcomes were evaluated. Both medications showed Results: similar efficacy in controlling blood pressure, with a mean time to control of approximately 28 minutes and comparable doses required. Maternal complications included a higher incidence of headache in the hydralazine group (25% vs. 3.75%, p = 0.0008). No significant differences were noted in placental abruption, cesarean sections, or fetal outcomes. Both groups had low incidences of severe complications and no maternal deaths. Hydralazine and labetalol are equally effective in controlling blood pressure in severe PIH. Conclusion: Hydralazine is associated with a higher incidence of headache, but both medications demonstrate favorable maternal and fetal outcomes with no significant differences in major complications.