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. 2007 Jan 24;2007(1):CD003515.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003515.pub2.

Low-dose dopamine for women with severe pre-eclampsia

D W Steyn  1 , P Steyn
Affiliations

Low-dose dopamine for women with severe pre-eclampsia

D W Steyn et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are important causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. The long-term outcome of surviving mothers will depend largely on whether intracranial haemorrhage or renal failure developed. Low-dose dopamine is used for the prevention and treatment of acute renal failure, but its role in the management of pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia is unclear.

Objectives: To assess the effects of low-dose dopamine used for oliguria in severe pre-eclampsia on mothers and their children.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (June 2006).

Selection criteria: Randomised trials comparing low-dose dopamine (dosages not higher than 5 microgram/kg/minute) with either placebo or no dopamine in women with severe pre-eclampsia and acute renal failure, or who are considered to be at risk of acute renal failure.

Data collection and analysis: The two review authors assessed trial quality and data independently.

Main results: Only one randomised placebo controlled trial of six hours' duration, including 40 postpartum women, was found. This study showed a significant increase in urinary output over six hours in women receiving dopamine. It is unclear if this was of any benefit to the women.

Authors' conclusions: It is unclear whether low-dose dopamine therapy for pre-eclamptic women with oliguria is worthwhile. It should not be used other than in prospective trials.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Dopamine versus placebo, Outcome 1 Urinary output.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

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    1. Mantel GD, Makin J. A double blind randomised controlled trial of the use of low dose dopamine in post partum pre‐eclamptic or eclamptic women with oliguria. Fifteenth Conference on Priorities in Perinatal Care in Southern Africa; 1996 March 5‐8; Goudini Spa, South Africa. 1996.
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