Management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in two Australian tertiary care maternity hospitals

Abstract

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are common obstetric medical problems. Compliance with clinical guidelines and evidence from major trials has the potential to translate to significantly improve maternal and perinatal outcomes. The aims of this study were to prospectively review management of HDP in an Australian cohort in the context of the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australian and New Zealand (SOMANZ) guidelines and current evidence in published literature regarding management controversies. Methods The management of 100 pregnant women with HDP and prescription for antihypertensive medication at two tertiary obstetric centres was prospectively reviewed in 2013. Compliance with SOMANZ guidelines, uptake of findings from the HYPITAT trial and the Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study (CHIPS) trial were assessed. Results Sixty-eight women had chronic hypertension, while 32 had gestational hypertension. Management of HDP was mostly consistent with current SOMANZ guidelines and evidence from CHIPS and HYPITAT. Conclusion Clinicians were practising according to the current SOMANZ guidelines, indicating vigilance on behalf of the treating team.