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Objective: To assess the impact of maternal ethnicity on the risk of adverse perinatal outcome in pregnant women with chronic hypertension., Methods: Demographic and delivery data were collated of women with chronic hypertension and singleton pregnancy who delivered at one of three UK obstetric units between 2000 and 2014. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate risk ratios (RR), according to ethnic group, for adverse perinatal outcome, adjusted for other maternal characteristics including age, parity, body mass index, smoking status, deprivation index and year of delivery. The impact of maternal ethnicity on birth-weight centile calculation was investigated by comparing the birth-weight centile chart customized for ethnicity (Gestation Related Optimal Weight; GROW) with a birth-weight centile calculator that does not adjust for that factor (INTERGROWTH-21 st )., Results: The study cohort included 4481 pregnancies (4045 women) with chronic hypertension. Women of white ethnicity accounted for 47% (n = 2122) of the cohort and 36% (n = 1601) were of black, 8.5% (n = 379) of Asian and 8.5% (n = 379) of other ethnicity. The overall incidence of stillbirth was 1.6%, that of preterm birth < 37 weeks was 16% and that of fetal growth restriction (birth weight < 3 rd centile) was 11%. Black women, compared with white women, had the highest risk for all adverse perinatal outcomes, with stillbirth occurring in 3.1% vs 0.6% of pregnancies (adjusted RR (aRR), 5.56 (95% CI, 2.79-11.09)), preterm birth < 37 weeks in 21% vs 11% (aRR, 1.70 (95% CI, 1.43-2.01)) and birth weight < 3 rd centile in 15% vs 7.4% (aRR, 2.07 (95% CI, 1.71-2.51)). Asian women, compared with white women, were also at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome, with stillbirth occurring in 1.6% vs 0.6% (aRR, 3.03 (95% CI, 1.11-8.28)), preterm birth < 37 weeks in 20% vs 11% (aRR, 1.82 (95% CI, 1.41-2.35)) and birth weight < 3 rd centile in 12% vs 7.4% (aRR, 1.69 (95% CI, 1.24-2.30)). The sensitivity and specificity for prediction of infants requiring neonatal unit admission were 40% and 93%, respectively, for those with birth weight < 3 rd centile according to GROW charts, compared with 16% and 96%, respectively, for those with birth weight < 3 rd centile according to INTERGROWTH-21 st charts., Conclusions: Black ethnicity, compared with white, is associated with the greatest risk of adverse perinatal outcome in women with chronic hypertension, even after adjusting for other maternal characteristics. Women of Asian ethnicity are also at increased risk, but to a lesser extent. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy is high in developing countries such as Haiti, however little is known about postpartum hypertension (PPHTN)., Methods: This is a prospective study done at Hospital Albert Schweitzer in rural Haiti among pregnant women age 18 or older who were admitted for labor. Blood pressures were collected before and after delivery and medical charts were reviewed to gather delivery characteristics and fetal/neonatal outcomes. Differences between groups are presented based on postpartum blood pressures (BP) as mild PPHTN (systolic BP≥140 or diastolic BP≥90) and severe PPHTN (systolic BP≥160 or diastolic BP≥110)., Results: Of 175 women, the prevalence of PPHTN during the two-month study period was 57.1% (97/172) and included 56 parturients with mild and 41 with severe PPHTN. Severe PPHTN was associated with a higher proportion of complications including abruption (14.6%), fetal (14.6%) and neonatal death (7.3%). Thirty-nine (69.6%) patients with mild PPHTN and 9 (21.9%) patients with severe PPHTN did not receive any antihypertensive medications postpartum. Patients with severe PPHTN had prolonged hospitalization compared to the normal group (3.5 vs. 2.0days, p=0.0003). There was a strong correlation between antepartum and postpartum systolic and diastolic BP's (r=0.62 and 0.54, p<0.0001, respectively)., Conclusion: In this study, we identified a high prevalence of PPHTN in rural Haiti. Severe PPHTN was associated with adverse outcomes and treatment is not universal. This data is a starting point to develop region-specific protocols to treat and control PPHTN., (Copyright © 2017 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Postpartum blood pressure (BP) is highest three to six days after birth when most women have been discharged home. A significant rise in BP may be dangerous (e.g., can lead to stroke), but there is little information about how to prevent or treat postpartum hypertension., Objectives: To assess the relative benefits and risks of interventions to: (1) prevent postpartum hypertension, by assessing whether 'routine' postpartum medical therapy is better than placebo/no treatment; and (2) treat postpartum hypertension, by assessing whether (i) one antihypertensive therapy is better than placebo/no therapy for mild-moderate postpartum hypertension; and (ii) one antihypertensive agent offers advantages over another for mild-moderate or severe postpartum hypertension., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2013), bibliographies of retrieved papers, and personal files., Selection Criteria: For women with antenatal hypertension, trials comparing a medical intervention with placebo/no therapy. For women with postpartum hypertension, trials comparing one antihypertensive with either another or placebo/no therapy., Data Collection and Analysis: We extracted the data independently and were not blinded to trial characteristics or outcomes. We contacted authors for missing data when possible., Main Results: Nine trials are included., Prevention: Four trials (358 women) compared furosemide, nifedipine capsules, or L-arginine with placebo/no therapy. For women with antenatal pre-eclampsia, postnatal furosemide is associated with a strong trend towards reduced use of antihypertensive therapy in hospital., Treatment: For treatment of mild-moderate postpartum hypertension, three trials (189 women) compared timolol, oral hydralazine, or oral nifedipine with methyldopa. Use of additional antihypertensive therapy did not differ between groups (risk ratio (RR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 4.20; three trials), but the trials were not consistent in their effects. The drugs were well tolerated.For treatment of severe postpartum hypertension, two trials (120 women) compared intravenous hydralazine with either sublingual nifedipine or intravenous labetalol. There were no maternal deaths or hypotension. Use of additional antihypertensive therapy did not differ between groups (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.04 to 9.07; two trials), but the trials were not consistent in their effects., Authors' Conclusions: For women with pre-eclampsia, postnatal furosemide may decrease the need for postnatal antihypertensive therapy in hospital, but more data are needed on substantive outcomes before this practice can be recommended. There are no reliable data to guide management of women who are hypertensive postpartum. Any antihypertensive agent used should be based on a clinician's familiarity with the drug. Future studies should include data on postpartum analgesics, severe maternal hypertension, breastfeeding, hospital length of stay, and maternal satisfaction with care.

Objective: To determine the optimal timing of delivery in pregnancies with pre-existing (chronic) hypertension by quantifying the gestational age-specific risks of stillbirth associated with ongoing pregnancy and the gestational age-specific risks of neonatal mortality or serious neonatal morbidity following the induction of labour., Design: Population-based cohort study., Setting: USA., Population: A total of 171 669 singleton births to women with pre-existing hypertension between 1995 and 2005. Pregnancies additionally complicated by diabetes mellitus, cardiac, pulmonary or renal disease were excluded., Methods: The week-specific risks of stillbirth between 36 and 41 completed weeks of gestation were contrasted with the week-specific risks of neonatal mortality or serious neonatal morbidity among births following induction of labour in women with pre-existing hypertension., Main Outcome Measures: Stillbirth, neonatal mortality or serious neonatal morbidity (defined as a composite outcome which included any of the following: neonatal seizures, severe respiratory morbidity or 5-minute Apgar score ≤3)., Results: The risk of stillbirth in women with pre-existing hypertension remained stable at 1.0-1.1 per 1000 ongoing pregnancies until 38 weeks, before rising steadily to 3.5 per 1000 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4, 5.0] at 41 weeks. The risk of serious neonatal morbidity/neonatal mortality decreased sharply between 36 and 38 weeks from 137 [95% CI: 127, 146] to 26 [95% CI: 24, 29] per 1000 induced births, before stabilising beyond 39 weeks., Conclusions: Among women with otherwise uncomplicated pre-existing hypertension, delivery at 38 or 39 weeks appears to provide the optimal trade-off between the risk of adverse fetal and adverse neonatal outcomes., (© 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © RCOG 2010 BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.)

Objective: To determine whether 'less tight' (versus 'tight') control of nonsevere hypertension results in a difference in diastolic blood pressure (dBP) between groups., Design: Randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN#57277508)., Setting: Seventeen obstetric centres in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and UK., Population: Inclusion: pregnant women, dBP 90-109 mmHg, pre-existing/gestational hypertension; live fetus(es); and 20-33(+6) weeks. Exclusion: systolic blood pressure > or = 170 mmHg and proteinuria, contraindication, or major fetal anomaly., Methods: Randomisation to less tight (target dBP, 100 mmHg) or tight (target dBP, 85 mmHg) blood pressure control., Main Outcome Measures: Primary: mean dBP at 28, 32 and 36 weeks. Secondary: clinician compliance and women's satisfaction. Other: serious perinatal and maternal complications., Results: A total of 132 women were randomised to less tight (n = 66; seven had no study visit) or tight control (n= 66; one was lost to follow up; seven had no study visit). Mean dBP was significantly lower with tight control: -3.5 mmHg, 95% credible interval (-6.4, -0.6). Clinician compliance was 79% in both groups. Women were satisfied with their care. With less tight (versus tight) control, the rates of other treatments and outcomes were the following: post-randomisation antenatal antihypertensive medication use: 46 (69.7%) versus 58 (89.2%), severe hypertension: 38 (57.6%) versus 26 (40.0%), proteinuria: 16 (24.2%) versus 20 (30.8%), serious maternal complications: 3 (4.6%) versus 2 (3.1%), preterm birth: 24 (36.4%) versus 26 (40.0%), birthweight: 2675 +/- 858 versus 2501 +/- 855 g, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission: 15 (22.7%) versus 22 (34.4%), and serious perinatal complications: 9 (13.6%) versus 14 (21.5%)., Conclusion: The CHIPS pilot trial confirms the feasibility and importance of a large definitive trial to determine the effects of less tight control on serious perinatal and maternal complications.

Background: Postpartum blood pressure (BP) is highest three to six days after birth when most women have been discharged home. A significant rise in BP may be dangerous (e.g., lead to stroke), but there is little information about how to prevent or treat postpartum hypertension., Objectives: To assess the relative benefits and risks of interventions to: (1) prevent postpartum hypertension, by assessing whether 'routine' postpartum administration of oral antihypertensive therapy is better than placebo/no treatment; and(2) treat postpartum hypertension, by assessing whether (i) oral antihypertensive therapy is better than placebo/no therapy for mild-moderate postpartum hypertension; and (ii) one antihypertensive agent offers advantages over another for mild-moderate or severe postpartum hypertension., Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (March 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2003), EMBASE (1980 to January 2003), bibliographies of retrieved papers and personal files., Selection Criteria: For women with antenatal hypertension, trials comparing a medical intervention with placebo/no therapy. For women with postpartum hypertension, trials comparing one antihypertensive with either another or placebo/no therapy., Data Collection and Analysis: We extracted the data independently and were not blinded to trial characteristics or outcomes. We contacted authors for missing data when possible., Main Results: Six trials are included., Prevention: Three trials (315 women; six comparisons) compared furosemide or nifedipine capsules with placebo/no therapy. There are insufficient data for conclusions about possible benefits and risks of these management strategies. Most outcomes included data from only one trial. No trial reported severe maternal hypertension or breastfeeding., Treatment: In two trials (106 women; three comparisons), oral timolol or hydralazine were compared with oral methyldopa for treatment of mild to moderate postpartum hypertension. In one trial (38 women; one comparison), oral hydralazine plus sublingual nifedipine were compared with sublingual nifedipine for treatment of severe postpartum hypertension. The need for additional antihypertensive therapy did not differ between groups (relative risk 4.24, 95% confidence interval 0.96 to 18.84; three trials, N = 144 women), but three antihypertensive drugs were studied. All were well tolerated., Authors' Conclusions: There are no reliable data to guide management of women who are hypertensive postpartum or at increased risk of becoming so. If a clinician feels that hypertension is severe enough to treat, the agent used should be based on his/her familiarity with the drug. Future studies of prevention or treatment of postpartum hypertension should include information about use of postpartum analgesics and outcomes of severe maternal hypertension, breastfeeding, hospital length of stay, and maternal satisfaction with care.

This review addresses the maternal and perinatal benefits and risks of antihypertensive therapy in pregnancy. It covers the diagnosis of hypertension in pregnancy (with a brief discussion of ambulatory blood pressure measurement) followed by both the general principles of management of pregnancy hypertension and the specifics of individual antihypertensive drugs and drug classes. Discussion is focused on quantitative overviews of randomised, controlled trials, although observational literature is also discussed, particularly in reference to the potential teratogenicity of agents and the safety of their administration to nursing mothers. The treatment of severe hypertension is addressed separately from the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension, for which the maternal and fetal risks are substantially different.

Objective: To determine the proportion of births complicated by either a pre-existing or a gestational non-proteinuric hypertension, presenting at <34 weeks' gestation, and the associated incidence with 1 or more serious perinatal complications or birth weight <3rd centile for gestational age., Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in 5 international centres, from 1998 to 2002, where "tight" control (normalization) of blood pressure (BP) is the norm. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were used to identify women who delivered at > or =20 weeks' gestation, with any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Women were included if they had a diastolic blood pressure (dBP) of 90 to 109 mm Hg, due to either a pre-existing or a gestational non-proteinuric hypertension, presenting at <34 weeks' gestation. Women were excluded if they had ongoing severe hypertension, or if at presentation with dBP of 90 to 109 mm Hg, they had 1 or more of the following: proteinuria, an indication for "tight" control of BP or imminent delivery, or a known intrauterine fetal death or lethal fetal anomaly. Data were collected on paper forms, scanned into an electronic database, and summarized descriptively by type of hypertension., Results: There were 305 eligible women (0.7% deliveries, 12.8% hypertensive deliveries) identified with non-proteinuric hypertension that was either pre-existing (133 [43.6%]) or gestational (172 [56.4%]). Regardless of hypertension type, 16.4% (n = 50) of pregnancies were complicated by birth weight <3rd centile or 1 or more serious perinatal complications, 34.3% (n = 100) by preterm birth, 30.8% (n = 94) by preeclampsia, and 2.0% (n = 6) by serious maternal complications., Conclusion: Non-proteinuric pre-existing or gestational hypertension, presenting before 34 weeks' gestation, identifies a subpopulation of hypertensive pregnant women at both substantial perinatal risk and maternal risk. The CHIPS (Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study) trial is designed to determine how best to manage the hypertension of such women in order to optimize perinatal outcome.

Background: Antihypertensives, such as beta-blockers, are used for pregnancy hypertension in the belief these will improve outcome for mother and baby., Objectives: To assess whether oral beta-blockers are better than placebo, or no beta-blocker, and have advantages over other antihypertensives, for women with mild to moderate pregnancy hypertension., Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (May 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2002), bibliographies of retrieved papers and personal files., Selection Criteria: Trials comparing beta-blockers with placebo or no therapy, or other antihypertensives, for women with mild to moderate pregnancy hypertension., Data Collection and Analysis: We extracted the data independently and were not blinded to trial characteristics or outcomes. Whenever possible, we contacted authors for missing data., Main Results: Twenty-nine trials (approximately 2500 women) are included. Thirteen trials (1480 women) compared beta-blockers with placebo/no beta blocker. Oral beta-blockers decrease the risk of severe hypertension (relative risk (RR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26 to 0.53; 11 trials, N = 1128 women) and the need for additional antihypertensives (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.62; 7 trials, N = 856 women). There are insufficient data for conclusions about the effect on perinatal mortality or preterm birth. Beta-blockers seem to be associated with an increase in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.82; 12 trials; N = 1346 women). Maternal hospital admission may be decreased, neonatal bradycardia increased and respiratory distress syndrome decreased, but these outcomes are reported in only a small proportion of trials. In 13 trials (854 women), beta-blockers were compared with methyldopa. Beta-blockers appear to be no more effective and probably equally as safe. Single small trials have compared beta-blockers with hydralazine, nicardipine or isradipine. It is unusual for women to change drugs due to side effects., Reviewer's Conclusions: Improvement in control of maternal blood pressure with use of beta-blockers would be worthwhile only if it were reflected in substantive benefits for mother and/or baby, and none have been clearly demonstrated. The effect of beta-blockers on perinatal outcome is uncertain; the worrying trend to an increase in SGA infants is partly dependent on one small outlying trial. Large randomised trials are needed to determine whether antihypertensive therapy in general (rather than beta-blocker therapy specifically) results in greater benefit than risk, for treatment of mild-moderate pregnancy hypertension. If so, then it would be appropriate to consider which antihypertensive is best, and beta-blockers should be evaluated.

Fifty per cent of pregnancies are unplanned, and 1-6% of young women have pre-existing hypertension. However, no commonly used antihypertensive agent is known to be teratogenic. ACE inhibitors (and angiotensin-receptor antagonists) should be discontinued due to fetotoxicity. Five to 10% of pregnant women have hypertension, of which pre-existing hypertension is but one type. There is consensus that severe maternal hypertension (blood pressure >or=170/110 mmHg) should be treated to minimize the risk of acute cerebrovascular complications. Parenteral hydralazine may be associated with a higher risk of maternal hypotension, and intravenous labetalol with neonatal bradycardia. There is no consensus that mild-to-moderate hypertension in pregnancy should be treated. Clinical trials indicate that transient severe hypertension, antenatal hospitalization, proteinuria at delivery and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome may be decreased by normalizing blood pressure, but intrauterine fetal growth restriction may be increased. Methodological problems with published trials warrant cautious interpretation of these findings. Methyldopa and beta-blockers have been used most extensively, although atenolol may impair fetal growth in particular and should be avoided., (Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.)

Objective: To evaluate the generalizability of randomized controlled trial (RCT) data to obstetric practice, using the example of beta-blocker therapy., Study Design: Descriptive comparison of characteristics of participants, interventions, and outcomes assessed between a meta-analysis of trials of beta-blocker therapy in pregnancy, and a prospective cohort of beta-blocker exposed callers to Motherisk, a Teratology Information Service., Results: 72 women (cohort) and 34 trials with 2474 participants (meta-analysis) were compared. The generalizability of trials was limited by an inadequate description of maternal demographics and indications for beta-blockers, and a focus on the effectiveness of beta-blockers as antihypertensives rather than on reproductive risks., Conclusions: Some of these limitations could be rectified. Others cannot, such as evaluation of teratogenicity (for ethical reasons) or all indications for a drug (for practical reasons). Reference to observational literature is, and will likely remain, necessary to address the 'harm' side of the therapeutic equation in pregnancy.

Hypertension is found among 1 to 6% of young women. Treatment aims to decrease cardiovascular risk, the magnitude of which is less dependent on the absolute level of blood pressure (BP) than on associated cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension-related target organ damage and/or concomitant disease. Lifestyle modifications are recommended for all hypertensive individuals. The threshold of BP at which antihypertensive therapy should be initiated is based on absolute cardiovascular risk. Most young women are at low risk and not in need of antihypertensive therapy. All antihypertensive agents appear to be equally efficacious; choice depends on personal preference, social circumstances and an agent's effect on cardiovascular risk factors, target organ damage and/or concomitant disease. Although most agents are appropriate for, and tolerated well by, young women, another consideration remains that of pregnancy, 50% of which are unplanned. A clinician must be aware of a woman's method of contraception and the potential of an antihypertensive agent to cause birth defects following inadvertent exposure in early pregnancy. Conversely, if an oral contraceptive is effective and well tolerated, but the woman's BP becomes mildly elevated, continuing the contraceptive and initiating antihypertensive treatment may not be contraindicated, especially if the ability to plan pregnancy is important (e.g. in type 1 diabetes mellitus). No commonly used antihypertensive is known to be teratogenic, although ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists should be discontinued, and any antihypertensive drugs should be continued in pregnancy only if anticipated benefits outweigh potential reproductive risk(s). The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 5 to 10% of pregnancies and are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Treatment aims to improve pregnancy outcome. There is consensus that severe maternal hypertension (systolic BP > or = 170mm Hg and/or diastolic BP > or = 110mm Hg) should be treated immediately to avoid maternal stroke, death and, possibly, eclampsia. Parenteral hydralazine may be associated with a higher risk of maternal hypotension, and intravenous labetalol with neonatal bradycardia. There is no consensus as to whether mild-to-moderate hypertension in pregnancy should be treated: the risks of transient severe hypertension, antenatal hospitalisation, proteinuria at delivery and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome may be decreased by therapy, but intrauterine fetal growth may also be impaired, particularly by atenolol. Methyldopa and other beta-blockers have been used most extensively. Reporting bias and the uncertainty of outcomes as defined warrant cautious interpretation of these findings and preclude treatment recommendations.

Background: We investigated the relation between fetoplacental growth and the use of oral antihypertensive medication to treat mild-to-moderate pregnancy hypertension., Methods: The study design was a metaregression analysis of published data from randomised controlled trials. Data from a paper that was regarded as an extreme statistical outliner were excluded from primary analyses. The change in (group) mean arterial pressure (MAP) from enrolment to delivery was compared with indicators of fetoplacental growth., Findings: Greater mean difference in MAP with antihypertensive therapy was associated with the birth of a higher proportion of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants (slope: 0.09 [SD 0.03], r2=0.48, p=0.006, 14 trials) and lower mean birthweight significant after exclusion of data from another paper regarded as an extreme statistical outliner (slope: -14.49 [6.98] r=0.16, p=0.049, 27). No relation with mean placental weight was seen (slope -2.01 [1.62], r2=0.15, p=0.25, 11 trials)., Interpretation: Treatment-induced falls in maternal blood pressure may adversely affect fetal growth. Given the small maternal benefits that are likely to be derived from therapy, new data are urgently needed to elucidate the relative maternal and fetal benefits and risks of oral antihypertensive drug treatment of mild-to-moderate pregnancy hypertension.

Background: Hypertension is a common complication of pregnancy. Antihypertensive drugs are widely used in the belief these will improve outcome for both the woman (such as decreasing the risk of stroke or eclampsia) and her baby (such as decreasing the risk of preterm birth and its complications). Beta-blockers are a popular choice of antihypertensive agent during pregnancy; other choices include methyldopa and calcium channel blockers., Objectives: The aim of this review is to assess whether oral beta-blockers are overall better than placebo, or no beta-blocker, for women with mild-moderate hypertension during pregnancy, and to assess whether oral beta-blockers have any advantages over other antihypertensive agents for women with mild-moderate hypertension during pregnancy. Both maternal outcomes (e.g., the incidence of severe hypertension) and perinatal outcomes (e.g., mortality) were of interest., Search Strategy: Register of trials maintained by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, MEDLINE 1966-97, bibliographies of retrieved papers, personal files. Date of last search: June 2000., Selection Criteria: Trials comparing beta-blockers with (i) placebo or no therapy, or (ii) other antihypertensive agents, for women with mild-moderate pregnancy hypertension (i.e., blood pressure under 170 mm Hg systolic, or 110 mm Hg diastolic)., Data Collection and Analysis: All data were extracted independently by two investigators, who were not blinded to outcome or other trial characteristics. Whenever possible, missing data were obtained by personal communication with authors. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. The overview was divided into two comparisons: (i) beta-blockers versus placebo or no therapy, and (ii) beta-blockers versus other antihypertensives., Main Results: Twenty-seven trials, involving just under 2400 women, are included in this review. Fourteen trials (1516 women) compared beta-blockers with placebo/no beta blocker. Oral beta-blockers decrease the risk of severe hypertension (relative risk (RR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26-0.53) and the need for additional antihypertensive drugs (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.31-0.62). There are insufficient data for any conclusions about the effect on perinatal mortality or preterm delivery. Beta-blockers seem to be associated with an increase in small for gestational age infants (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.79). Maternal hospital admission may be decreased, neonatal bradycardia increased and respiratory distress syndrome decreased, but these outcomes are only reported in a very small proportion of trials. Eleven trials (787 women) compared beta-blockers with methyldopa. Beta-blockers appear to be no more effective and probably equally as safe (from maternal and perinatal perspectives) as methyldopa. Single small trials have compared beta-blockers with hydralazine and with nicardipine. It is unusual for women to change drugs due to side effects., Reviewer's Conclusions: The improvement in control of maternal blood pressure with use of beta-blockers would be worthwhile only if it were reflected in other more substantive benefits for the mother and/or baby, and none have yet been clearly demonstrated. The effect of beta-blockers on perinatal outcome is uncertain, given that the worrying trend to an increase in small for gestational age infants is partly dependent on one small outlying trial. Large, randomised controlled trials are needed to determine whether antihypertensive therapy in general (rather than beta-blocker therapy specifically) results in benefits that outweigh the risks for treatment of mild-moderate pregnancy hypertension. If so, then it would be appropriate to look at which antihypertensive is best. Beta-blockers would remain a candidate class of agents.

Objective: Examine the benefits/risks of beta-blockers for pregnancy hypertension., Study Design: Meta-analysis of relevant trials identified by comprehensive literature review (1966-97)., Results: Included were 30 trials for pregnancy hypertension, and four others for perinatal outcomes only. For mild chronic hypertension treated throughout pregnancy (n=2 trials), oral beta-blockers (compared with no therapy) were associated with an inconsistent increase in small for gestational age (SGA) infants (OR 2.46 [1.02, 5.92]). For mild-moderate 'late-onset' pregnancy hypertension (i.e. either chronic treated only late in pregnancy, or pregnancy-induced) (n=8 trials), oral beta-blockers (compared with no therapy) were associated with a decrease in severe hypertension (OR 0.27 [0.16, 0.451), borderline decrease in development of proteinuria (OR 0.69 [0.48, 1.02]), decrease in RDS (OR 0.33 [0.13, 0.85]), but a borderline increase in SGA infants (OR 1.47 [0.96, 2.26]). Beta-blockers were equivalent to other agents (n=15 trials). For severe 'late-onset' pregnancy hypertension (n=5 trials), i.v. labetalol produced less maternal hypotension (OR 0.13 [0.03, 0.71]) and fewer cesareans (OR 0.23 [0.13, 0.63]) than i.v. hydralazine/diazoxide., Conclusions: It is not clear that the benefits outweigh the risks when beta-blockers are used to treat mild to moderate chronic or pregnancy-induced hypertension, given the unknown overall effect on perinatal outcomes. For severe 'late-onset' pregnancy hypertension, i.v. labetalol is safer than i.v. hydralazine or diazoxide.

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Hauspurg et al., pp. 715–726 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17381. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Satisfaction with maternity care is strongly related to the patient-caregiver relationship and involvement in the decision-making process. We sought to compare women's views about their care in a randomized trial of 'less tight' vs. 'tight' control of non-proteinuric pre-existing or gestational hypertension in pregnancy. Methods: In the CHIPS Pilot Trial, women completed a postpartum questionnaire to assess their likes and dislikes about their blood pressure (BP) management and trial participation. Comparisons were descriptive. Results: Baseline information was similar for the 'less tight' and 'tight' control groups. Of 132 women, 126 (95.5%) from 17 centers completed a postpartum questionnaire, usually within days of delivery. At least 90% of women in both groups were satisfied with their care, and would be willing to participate again or recommend participation to a friend. Women in both the 'less tight' and 'tight' groups were satisfied with BP management (98.4% vs. 95.1%), and the frequency of tests of maternal and fetal well being. Half of women in both groups perceived that their BP was too high and that caregivers thought that their BP was too high. More women in the 'less tight' (vs. the 'tight') control group took less medication than expected (71.7% vs. 38.2%). More women in the 'tight' (vs. the 'less tight') group took more medication than they expected (60.0% vs. 22.2%). At least 60% of all women used home BP monitoring. Conclusion: In the CHIPS Pilot Trial, while women stated that they were satisfied with their BP management and care, a surprising 50% in both groups thought that their BP was too high. The majority of women used home BP monitoring, the role of which must be further defined in hypertensive pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether ‘less tight’ (versus ‘tight’) control of nonsevere hypertension results in a difference in diastolic blood pressure (dBP) between groups. Design Randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN#57277508). Setting Seventeen obstetric centres in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and UK. Population Inclusion: pregnant women, dBP 90–109 mmHg, pre-existing/gestational hypertension; live fetus(es); and 20–33+6 weeks. Exclusion: systolic blood pressure ≥ 170 mmHg and proteinuria, contraindication, or major fetal anomaly. Methods Randomisation to less tight (target dBP, 100 mmHg) or tight (target dBP, 85 mmHg) blood pressure control. Main outcome measures Primary: mean dBP at 28, 32 and 36 weeks. Secondary: clinician compliance and women’s satisfaction. Other: serious perinatal and maternal complications. Results A total of 132 women were randomised to less tight ( n= 66; seven had no study visit) or tight control ( n= 66; one was lost to follow up; seven had no study visit). Mean dBP was significantly lower with tight control: −3.5 mmHg, 95% credible interval (−6.4, −0.6). Clinician compliance was 79% in both groups. Women were satisfied with their care. With less tight (versus tight) control, the rates of other treatments and outcomes were the following: post-randomisation antenatal antihypertensive medication use: 46 (69.7%) versus 58 (89.2%), severe hypertension: 38 (57.6%) versus 26 (40.0%), proteinuria: 16 (24.2%) versus 20 (30.8%), serious maternal complications: 3 (4.6%) versus 2 (3.1%), preterm birth: 24 (36.4%) versus 26 (40.0%), birthweight: 2675 ± 858 versus 2501 ± 855 g, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission: 15 (22.7%) versus 22 (34.4%), and serious perinatal complications: 9 (13.6%) versus 14 (21.5%). Conclusion The CHIPS pilot trial confirms the feasibility and importance of a large definitive trial to determine the effects of less tight control on serious perinatal and maternal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SummaryBackgroundWe investigated the relation between fetoplacental growth and the use of oral antihypertensive medication to treat mild-to-moderate pregnancy hypertension.MethodsThe study design was a metaregression analysis of published data from randomised controlled trials. Data from a paper that was regarded as an extreme statistical outliner were excluded from primary analyses. The change in (group) mean arterial pressure (MAP) from enrolment to delivery was compared with indicators of fetoplacental growth.FindingsGreater mean difference in MAP with antihypertensive therapy was associated with the birth of a higher proportion of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants (slope: 0.09 [SD 0.03], r [sup2]=0.48, p=0.006, 14 trials) and lower mean birthweight significant after exclusion of data from another paper regarded as an extreme statistical outliner (slope: -14.49 [6.98] r [sup2]=0.16, p=0.049, 27). No relation with mean placental weight was seen (slope -2.01 [1.62], r [sup2]=0.15, p=0.25, 11 trials).InterpretationTreatment-induced falls in maternal blood pressure may adversely affect fetal growth. Given the small maternal benefits that are likely to be derived from therapy, new data are urgently needed to elucidate the relative maternal and fetal benefits and risks of oral antihypertensive drug treatment of mild-to-moderate pregnancy hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]