Efficacy of Beta-Blockers Versus Calcium Channel Blockers in Hypertensive Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
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Abstract
Background: Hypertension in pregnancy is a critical health issue associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the efficacy of beta-blockers versus calcium channel blockers in managing hypertension among pregnant women.
Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study involved 200 hypertensive pregnant women who were treated with either beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Data were retrospectively collected from a single tertiary care center, assessing the reduction in blood pressure, the incidence of pregnancy-related complications, and fetal outcomes.
Results: Among the 100 women treated with beta-blockers, 80 showed effective management of hypertension, compared to 62 of the 100 women treated with calcium channel blockers, although this difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.16-1.43, P = 0.208). Blood pressure reduction was similar between the groups, with 77% efficacy in the beta-blocker group and 74% in the calcium channel blocker group. Pregnancy-related complications were less frequent in the beta-blocker group (29%) compared to the calcium channel blocker group (45%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.51-2.86, P = 0.825). Fetal outcomes were also better in the beta-blocker group, with 87% positive outcomes compared to 73% in the calcium channel blocker group, though this was not statistically significant (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 0.55-6.24, P = 0.329).
Conclusion: Both beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are effective in managing hypertension in pregnant women. The differences in efficacy, complications, and fetal outcomes between the two drug classes were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that the choice of antihypertensive treatment should be tailored to individual patient needs and characteristics. Further research involving larger, multi-center trials is needed to confirm these findings and help refine treatment guidelines.