Ketanserin in women with chronic hypertension and underlying thrombophilia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pregnant women with chronic hypertension and thrombophilia have an increased risk for preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Ketanserin lowers blood pressure and inhibits serotonin-induced platelet aggregation.

CASES:

A 38-year-old woman with chronic hypertension had a first pregnancy with severe hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. A second pregnancy with prophylactic oral ketanserin and low-dose aspirin was uneventful. The third pregnancy without oral ketanserin was again complicated by severe superimposed preeclampsia and IUGR. During this pregnancy a prothrombin mutation was found. A 37-year-old woman with chronic hypertension developed severe early-onset superimposed preeclampsia in her first pregnancy. In the 3 consecutive pregnancies, she was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin because of a factor XII deficiency. Only the pregnancy with the use of prophylactic oral ketanserin was uncomplicated.

CONCLUSION:

Clinical trials are warranted to analyze the role of oral ketanserin in preventing preeclampsia and IUGR.

• Authors: Franyke R Banga, Antoinette C Bolte, Gustaaf A Dekker, Herman P van Geijn
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 103 Issue 5 Pt 2 Pg. 1084-7 (May 2004) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15121616 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antihypertensive Agents
• Ketanserin

Topics

• Adult
• Antihypertensive Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Fetal Growth Retardation (prevention & control)
• HELLP Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Hypertension (drug therapy)
• Ketanserin (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Pre-Eclampsia (prevention & control)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (drug therapy)
• Thrombophilia (drug therapy)