Magnesium Sulphate Versus Labetalol for Control of Blood Pressure in Severe Preeclamptic Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Section Under Epidural Anesthesia

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a syndrome characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. It affects 2-7% of healthy nulliparous women. Magnesium sulphate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and also it has cardioprotective effect with minimal side effects. Objective: To Compare between the effects of magnesium sulphate and labetalol on hemodynamics stability in severe preeclamptic patients as well as neonatal outcome. Patients and Methods: 60 patients with severe preeclampsia were enrolled in the study. They were randomly allocated into two groups. The first group received magnesium sulphate while the other group received labetalol. Blood pressure and heart rate were followed-up intraoperative and 24 hours postoperative. Results: Labetalol group had statistically significant lower blood pressure and heart rate measurements throughout the operation and during postoperative period. Conclusion: Use of Labetalol resulted in more controllable blood pressure levels and heart rates compared to magnesium therapy. Its use was not associated with seizures or poor neonatal outcome.