Postpartum Diuretics and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with ongoing postpartum hypertension (HTN) and increased morbidity. Extravascular water and sodium mobilization is implicated in postpartum blood pressure (BP) elevation, however trials of postpartum diuretics in HDP have had mixed results. Our meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of postpartum diuretics on postpartum hypertension following HDP. MethodsSystematic review identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the efficacy of diuretics in the treatment of postpartum BP. Meta-analysis outcomes included persistent HTN up to 10 days postpartum, mean postpartum systolic and diastolic BPs, and use of additional antihypertensive medications. ResultsFrom 9 RCTs, 1273 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Postpartum diuretic use was associated with lower systolic BP (SMD standard mean difference]: -0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.72; -0.01) without a difference in diastolic BP (SMD: 0.01; 95% CI: -0.22; 0.23) compared with controls. There was no difference in rates of persistent HTN between the postpartum diuretics group versus controls (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.4; 1.05) or in antihypertensive medication use (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.42; 1.05). ConclusionPostpartum diuretic use was associated with lower systolic BP compared with controls and non-significant trends of lower rates of persistent HTN and postpartum antihypertensive medication use. Due to the low certainty of evidence, uniform postpartum diuretic use with HDP cannot be recommended. Future studies are needed to evaluate specific HDP subgroups who may benefit from diuretic use.