Hypertension in pregnancy and perinatal mortality.

The effect of various forms of hypertension on perinatal mortality has been investigated. Non-essential, non-proteinuric hypertension had relatively little effect on perinatal mortality, whereas essential and proteinuric forms of hypertension had a marked influence. Diastolic blood pressures of less than 110 mmHg did not influence perinatal mortality. Fetal loss from hypertensive disease was largely accounted for by fetoplacental inadequacy, accidental haemorrhage and preterm delivery. Management more suited to individual needs and induction of labour, once biological and lung maturity has been achieved, is advocated.