A randomised placebo controlled trial of loop diuretics in moderate/severe pre-eclampsia, following delivery

Nineteen patients with pre-eclampsia were randomised to receive 40 mg of frusemide or placebo by mouth daily for 7 days in the first post-partum week. Outcome measures included mean and maximum blood pressure, the need for additional antihypertensive treatment during that period and mean length of hospital stay. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome between the treatment and placebo groups although there was a trend to more rapid lowering of blood pressure following delivery in those receiving frusemide.