Intravenous Prostacyclin in the Management of Pregnancies Complicated by Severe Hypertension

Abstract

The mechanisms involved in the development of pregnancy-induced and aggravated hypertension are not fully understood but may involve a deficiency of prostaglandins. A number of workers have suggested that prostacyclin (PGI₂) production is decreased leading to the clinical picture of hypertension, platelet consumption and reduced placental perfusion. We describe nere a preliminary study in which 5 patients with severe hypertension were treated by infusion of PGI,₂ after failure of conventional medication. All patients experienced a fall in blood pressure (BP); however, in 1 patient the development of side-effects at higher doses of PGI₂ prevented satisfactory control of PB. We suggest that intravenous PGI₂ may be useful in patients with severe hypertension; however the appearance of vasodilator related side effects may limit its wider application