Comparison of labetalol and nifedipine in control of blood pressure in severe pre-eclampsia in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital

Background: Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia are forms of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that cause significant morbidity and mortality in the mother and foetus globally. The best drug for prompt lowering of blood pressure is required for a desirable outcome. This study was aimed determining the efficacy of intravenous labetalol compared with oral nifedipine in the immediate control of hypertension in severe pre-eclampsia. Methods: Seventy-four women who fit the criteria for severe preeclampsia were randomly selected and recruited for the prospective comparative study. They were divided into two equal arms, one, receiving intravenous labetalol in precise, timed doses and the other, oral nifedipine in its own timed doses. The doses and time for effective blood pressure control were recorded in both arms and comparatively analyzed. Results: The time taken to achieve targeted blood pressure of <150/100 mmHg in the intravenous labetalol group was (38.9±17.2 min) and in the oral nifedipine group was (37.1±17.2 min) with p value=0.302. The mean number of doses required to achieve this was (2.6±1.2 doses) and (2.3±1.0 doses) respectively with p value of 0.370. The mean cost of treatment per doses given for labetalol group was (NGN 3259.5±2294.4) and nifedipine group, was (NGN 3254.1±1440.4) with p value=0.990. Conclusions: Both drugs were found to be equally efficacious in rapidity of controlling blood pressure in severe preeclampsia and both had similar cost effect per dose of drug.