Prescription Pattern of Antihypertensive Drugs in Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy occur in 6% to 8% of pregnancies and contribute significantly to stillbirths and neonatal morbidity and mortality¹.  Expectant mothers with hypertension are prediaposed towards the development of different complications. Though hypertensive disorders in pregnancy cannot be prevented, early diagnosis and treatment help to reduce maternal and foetal adverse outcomes. Aim: Aim of our study is to assess prescription pattern of antihypertensive medicines in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year (from March 2019 to February 2020) at Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department in Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal. Patients diognosed as hypertesive disorders in pregnancy were enlisted for primary evaluation. The data regarding demographic details, presenting complaints, obstetric history, gestational age in association with type of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, antihypertensive medicines priscribed, other medications prescribed were collected. Results: Among study patients 48% were 19-23 years of age. 76% had preeclampsia, 13% had eclampsia, 7% were found gestational hypertension and 4% had chronic hypertension. Among the study subjects 56% were primigravida. Majority of the patients were on combination therapy (64%) where as 36% on monotherapy. Methyldopa was the commonest prescribed antihypertensive medicine as monotherapy (14%) as well as in combination therapy (39%). Conclusion: Methyldopa was the commonest prescribed antihypertensive medicine in monotherapy and combination therapy, as it is safe during pregnancy.