The evaluation of labetalol in the treatment of hypertension complicating pregnancy.

1 Eighty-five women with severe hypertension complicating pregnancy were treated with oral labetalol (Trandate). Six of these had a twin pregnancy and 54 had proteinuria. 2 Effective control of the blood pressure was achieved in all but six patients. The maximum dose of labetalol prescribed was 1200 mg daily. There were no significant maternal or foetal side-effects. 3 Foeto-placental function was carefully monitored in all patients. Twenty-four of the 89 infants born alive showed evidence of intra-uterine growth retardation, the highest incidence occurring in the group of patients with essential hypertension complicated by pregnancy induced hypertension. 4 The low perinatal mortality of 4.4% was a reflection of the meticulous control of the blood pressure. 5 There were no congenital malformations or evidence of oculotoxicity in any of the infants delivered. 6 The efficient hypotensive action of orally administered labetalol together with the absence of maternal and foetal side effects and consequent improved perinatal mortality confirms that it is an eminently suitable drug for the treatment of hypertension complicating pregnancy.