1 Labetalol, a hypotensive agent combining a-and fl-adrenoceptor antagonist properties, was used to treat severe hypertensive disease complicating pregnancy. 2 Effective reduction in BP was achieved in all but 3 of the 25 patients treated. Careful monitoring of feto-placental function was undertaken to ensure the maintenance of fetal well-being. Maternal and fetal side-effects were minimal and it was not necessary to discontinue the drug in any patient. 3 Labetalol was estimated in the cord blood of the fetus at delivery as well as in the breast milk of mothers on day 3 post partum. There were no adverse effects of the drug on the infants and significant hypotension did not occur. 4 The results suggest that labetalol has a direct action on fetal lung maturation and this, together with its effective hypotensive effect, contributes to the low perinatal mortality (3.5%) observed. 5 Oculotoxicity due to the labetalol was not observed in the infants delivered. 6 It is concluded that the efficient hypotensive action of labetalol, together with apparent freedom from maternal and fetal side-effects, and consequent improved perinatal mortality, suggest that it is a suitable drug for use in pregnancy complicated by hypertension.
1 Eighty‐five women with severe hypertension complicating pregnancy were treated with oral labetalol (Trandate). Six of these had a twin pregnancy and 54 had proteinuria. 2 Effective control of the blood pressure was achieved in all but six patients. The maximum dose of labetalol prescribed was 1200 mg daily. There were no significant maternal or foetal side‐effects. 3 Foeto‐placental function was carefully monitored in all patients. Twenty‐four of the 89 infants born alive showed evidence of intra‐uterine growth retardation, the highest incidence occurring in the group of patients with essential hypertension complicated by pregnancy induced hypertension. 4 The low perinatal mortality of 4.4% was a reflection of the meticulous control of the blood pressure. 5 There were no congenital malformations or evidence of oculotoxicity in any of the infants delivered. 6 The efficient hypotensive action of orally administered labetalol together with the absence of maternal and foetal side effects and consequent improved perinatal mortality confirms that it is an eminently suitable drug for the treatment of hypertension complicating pregnancy.
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