Evaluation of calcium-antagonist (Nifedipine) in the treatment of pre-eclampsia

Abstract

The therapeutic effect of the calcium antagonist; Nifedipine was assessed in 30 patients with pre-eclampsia. Cases were randomly allocated into two groups; a study group (n = 20) who received Nifedipine capsules (20 mg every 8 h for 7 days) and a control group (n = 10) who received placebo capsules with the same regimen. After Nifedipine administration, there was a significant decrease in blood pressure, serum urea and creatinine and 24 h urinary proteins. No significant difference was found in FHR and S/D ratio of the umbilical artery between study and control groups or between initial values and after Nifedipine administration. Preliminary results indicated that Nifedipine decreased blood pressure and improved kidney functions without affecting the umbilical artery blood flow in cases of pre-eclampsia.