Effect of Ibuprofen Versus Acetaminophen On Postpartum Blood Pressure In Egyptian Women with Severe Preeclampsia: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: Generation of evidence for or against the use of nonsteroidal anti-in¬flammatory drugs in women with postpartum hypertension (HTN) and evaluation of the effect of ibuprofen versus acetaminophen on postpartum Blood pressure (BP) control among women with preeclampsia with severe features. Methods: This double-blinded, ran¬domized controlled trial included 150 severe preeclamptic pregnant women. All women were randomly allocated into two equal groups; group A: included 75 women and were given 500 mg acetaminophen and group B: included 75 women and were given 600 mg ibuprofen. They received either acetaminophen 500 mg or ibuprofen 600 mg within 6 hours after delivery for every 6 hours started immediately after delivery and continued for the duration of their postpartum hospitalization (72 hours). Results: No significant differences were noted between women of both groups regarding antepartum and postpartum systolic or diastolic blood pressures. There were no significant differences between women of both groups regarding 10-cm VAS for postpartum pain and rates of moderate-to-severe pain in the first 24 hours and 24-48 hours postoperatively. Finally, there were no significant differences between women of both groups regarding rates of severe systolic or diastolic hypertension up to 48 hours postoperatively. Conclusion: In women with severe preeclampsia, short term using - up to 48 hours - of NSAIDs as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for post cesarean section analgesia had no significant effect on maternal blood pressure.