The effect of calcium channel blockers on prevention of preeclampsia in pregnant women with chronic hypertension

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women with chronic hypertension are at increased risk for complications. This study aims to investigate whether calcium channel blockers plus low dosage aspirin therapy can reduce the incidence of complications during pregnancy with chronic hypertension and improve the prognosis of neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2011 to June 2013, 33 patients were selected to join this trial according to the chronic hypertension criteria set by the Preface Bulletin of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, (ACOG). Patients were administrated calcium channel blockers plus low-dosage aspirin and vitamin C. The statistic data of baseline and prognosis from the patients were retrospectively reviewed and compared. RESULTS: Blood pressure of patients was controlled by these medicines with average systolic pressure from 146.3 to 148.7 mmHg and average diastolic pressure from 93.8 to 97.9 mmHg; 39.4% patients complicated mild preeclampsia; however, none of them developed severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, or complicate placental abruption. 30.3% patients delivered at preterm labour; 84.8% patients underwent cesarean section. The neonatal average weight was 3,008 ± 629.6 g, in which seven neonatal weights were less than 2,500 g. All of the neonatal Apgar scores were 9 to 10 at one to five minutes. Small for gestational age (SGA) occurred in five (15%). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium channel blockers can improve the outcome of pregnancy women with chronic hypertension to avoid the occurrence of severe pregnancy complication or neonatal morbidity.