Does labetalol predispose to pulmonary edema in severe pregnancy-induced hypertensive disease?
We investigated whether use of labetalol, a beta adrenoreceptor blocking antihypertensive agent commonly employed as an alternative to hydralazine, is independently associated with pulmonary edema in women with severe preeclampsia. We retrospectively evaluated women with severe preeclampsia who were given labetalol by intravenous bolus for MAP > 120 mm Hg. Outcome variables included: achieving MAP < 120 mm Hg with < 300 mg of labetalol, incidence of adverse effects of the drug, including pulmonary edema, hypotension, and maternal bradycardia. Total intravenous fluid intake exceeding output (+ delta I/O) and presence or absence of preeclamptic liver involvement were noted. Statistical analysis included unpaired t-tests and Fisher's exact test. Fifty-one women were studied, 7 (13.7%) of whom developed pulmonary edema. Demographic and pregnancy characteristics were not different between patients who did or did not develop pulmonary edema. No patient had detectable underlying heart disease
