Evaluation of the use of transdermal Nitroglycerin on the clinical parameters and the fetoplacental circulation in Primigravidae with mild pre-eclampsia

Abstract

This work started with a review of literature on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, their classification, incidence, predisposing factors, aetiological theories, as well as pathophysiology. The studies on the aetiology of pre-eclampsia have been focused on the role of immunological mechanisms, vasoactive compounds, prostaglandins, as well as a possible endothelial dysfunction.

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator drug that has the ability to relax the smooth muscles ofrthe blood vessels thus having many clinical indications.

Nitric oxide (NO) donors such as glyceryl trinitrate are able to release nitric oxide; the deficiency of which has been hypothesized in the pathogenesis of pre-eclamptic disorders.

The ann of this work was to evaluate the role of transdennal nitroglycerin as a sole therapeutic modality in mild pre-eclampsia. The study was carried on fifty primigravidae in their third trimester, attending the Shatby University Maternity Hospital. They all suffered mild pre­ eclampsia with blood pressures > 140/90 and < 1601110, measured six hourly for 24 hours, and had no history of cardiovascular or renal disease. The patients ere allocated in two groups; Group I (study group): thirt