Nephrology

Answer 2 Methyldopa. Antihypertensive therapy is essential to the treatment of preeclampsia. Methyldopa is the most commonly used antihypertensive agent in this setting, and randomized trials have demonstrated its long-term safety in children whose mothers were treated with this agent during pregnancy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are contraindicated in pregnancy and have been associated with oligohydramnios, neonatal renal failure, and death. IV magnesium sulfate is an accepted treatment for the prevention of eclamptic convulsions, and although it may slightly lower systemic blood pressure, it is not an effective antihypertensive agent. The use of diuretics to treat hypertension remains controversial. There are times when use of diuretics is essential, but they should not be used as first-line treatment of hypertension. Click here to return to the questions

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