Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE CLINICAL RISK FACTORS AND THE DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN FEMALE PATIENTS WITH GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION

Mathew George*, Lincy Joseph and Naveena Susan Symon

Abstract

Hypertension in pregnancy is a pregnancy specific, multisystem disorder characterized by the development of edema, elevated blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Hypertensive disease occurs in 5% to 10% of all pregnancies and is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A prospective observational study was performed to assess the risk factors that potentiate gestational hypertension and also to evaluate the drug utilization pattern in patients diagnosed with gestational hypertension. 72 patients who were admitted with gestational hypertension in the Gynaecology department of Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital were enrolled for this study. A standardized data collection form was prepared and necessary data were collected which includes the demographic details, obstetric history, past medical history, past medication history, current medication etc. The risk factors, complications associated with gestational hypertension and drug utilization pattern were analyzed. Pre-existing hypertension and diabetes mellitus are found to be the most common risk factors of gestational hypertension in this study. Most commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive drug was Labetalol and found to be safe. The antihypertensive drug therapy was found to be significant. From the study it was found out that the overall drug utilization pattern in gestational hypertension patients was in accordance with the specific hypertensive treatment guidelines.

Keywords: Gestational hypertension, Drug utilization, Antihypertensives, Pregnancy, Maternal complications, Fetal outcomes.