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Oral Nifedipine Versus Oral Labetalol

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Severe Postpartum Hypertension
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT02168309
Lead Sponsor
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Brief Summary

This study's aim is to determine whether oral extended release nifedipine is superior to oral labetolol for the management of postpartum severe hypertension, specifically time to achieve goal blood pressure, and shortening hospital stay. Our hypothesis is that oral extended release nifedipine is superior to oral labetolol for achieving goal blood pressure in the postpartum period.

Detailed Description

Hypertension complicating pregnancy is common and, when uncontrolled, can have devastating consequences. While the true incidence of postpartum hypertension is unknown, blood pressure (BP) is known to initially decrease 48 hours following delivery then peak on postpartum days 3-6, likely 45 from the mobilization of interstitial fluids following parturition.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends medical treatment of persistent postpartum hypertension, defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥150 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥100 mmHg, on two or more occasions 4-6 hours apart. Prior studies compared intravenous medications to intramuscular and immediate-release oral 50 medications in the treatment of postpartum hypertension. However, oral labetalol and oral extended release nifedipine are the most commonly used medications for post- partum hypertension, and their efficacy has not been directly compared.

Our aim was to determine whether oral labetalol is associated with a shorter time to BP control compared to oral extended release nifedipine for management of persistent 55 postpartum hypertension. Our primary outcome was time to sustained BP control defined as the absence of severe hypertension (SBP ≥160 mmHg or DBP ≥105 mmHg) for at least 12 hours. Secondary outcomes included postpartum length of stay, need for increased dosing, need for additional oral antihypertensive agents, and patient-reported side effects.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
50
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age ≥ 18 years with the abililty to give informed consent
  • Intrauterine pregnancy ≥ 32 weeks
  • Postpartum
  • Persistent postpartum blood pressures ≥ 160/105 on two or more occasions
  • Primary obstetrician amenable to starting either study medication in the postpartum period
Exclusion Criteria
  • Use of other oral antihypertensives concomitantly
  • Known AV heart block
  • HR <60 or >120
  • Absolute contraindication to nifedipine or labetolol such as allergy
  • Significant renal disease (Cr >1.5 mg/dL)
  • Heart failure
  • Moderate persistent or severe asthma
  • Preexisting diagnosis of chronic hypertension with medical treatment before delivery
  • Chronic hypertension

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
NifedipineNifedipineNifedpine XL starting at dose 30mg PO daily
LabetalolLabetalolLabetalol 200mg PO BID starting dose
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Time (Hours) to Attain Sustained Blood Pressure Goal After Treatment Initiated With Antihypertensive Medication24 hours

Primary outcome

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Total Length of Hospital Stay in Days0-10 days

Secondary outcome

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Cedars Sinai Medical Center

🇺🇸

Los Angeles, California, United States

Cedars Sinai Medical Center
🇺🇸Los Angeles, California, United States

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