[Open trial of betaxolol in the treatment of arterial hypertension in pregnancy, pilot study].

The efficacy and the safety of betaxolol (BTX), a cardio-selective adrenoceptor blocking agent with a long half life, was tested in 22 hypertensive pregnant women. BTX doses varied from 10 to 40 mg/day. BTX given as monotherapy (n = 19) or associated to dihydralazine (n = 3) led to a satisfactory control of arterial blood pressure (ABP). In the mother, the drug was very well tolerated. (table; see text) The fetal safety, evaluated by mean of cardiotocography and echography was also satisfactory. Fetal heart rythm was significantly slowed following first intake of BTX and remained stable until delivery; there was only one case of intra-uterine growth retardation pre-existing to the pharmacological treatment. Nine deliveries were ceasarian [fetal distress (n = 1); poor control ABPI (n = 1); obstetrical reasons (n = 7)]. Seventeen neonates were full-term and six were premature (twins included). The state of neonates at birth was very satisfactory (Apgar at 5 minutes greater than 9 in 21/23). Glycemia less than 1.66 mmoles/1 in two neonates, was normal within 24 to 48 hours. In conclusion, BTX was very efficacious in controlling increased blood pressure in pregnant women and its safety in the mother, the fetus and the newborn was very good.