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Am J Perinatol 1991; 8(1): 7-10
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999327
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1991 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

How Do Perinatologists Manage Preeclampsia?

Val Catanzarite, J. Gerald Quirk, Gary Aisenbrey
  • Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas Medical Center, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Perinatal Center, Presbyterian Medical Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The members of the Society of Perinatal Obstetricians were surveyed regarding management of preeclampsia, with focus on drug therapy, use of invasive monitors, and both general policies and treatment of hypothetical cases of preterm severe preeclampsia. There was agreement that magnesium sulfate should be given to all patients with preeclampsia during labor and postpartum and that blood pressure should be held to about 160/105 mmHg. The drugs of choice for control of blood pressure were hydralazine, alpha-methyldopamine, and cardioselective beta-blockers. Most perinatologists use invasive monitors only for specific indications, but a substantial minority use either arterial lines or central venous pressure monitors routinely in severe preeclampsia. There was no consensus with respect to management of preterm, severe preeclampsia, but even among the 49% of respondents who volunteered an unequivocal policy of “deliver regardless of gestational age,” over three fourths would hospitalize and observe in selected cases meeting American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology criteria for severe preeclampsia.

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