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Bromocriptine mesylate for lactation suppression: a risk for postpartum hypertension?
D L Watson1, R K Bhatia, G S Norman
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Bromocriptine use for lactation suppression may increase postpartum hypertension risk, especially in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Avoiding elective bromocriptine in these patients is advised.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Postpartum eclampsia and hypertension etiology is debated.
- Bromocriptine mesylate has been anecdotally linked to hypertensive reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if bromocriptine, used for lactation suppression, is a risk factor for postpartum hypertension.
Main Methods:
- 1813 postpartum patients were monitored for blood pressure at home visits (3-21 days postpartum).
- Postpartum hypertension defined as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg.
- Discriminant analysis assessed bromocriptine exposure as an independent variable against postpartum hypertension.
Main Results:
- Race, chronic hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and antihypertensive medication significantly predicted postpartum hypertension (30% variance explained).
- A significant interaction was found between bromocriptine exposure and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Patients with antepartum pregnancy-induced hypertension receiving bromocriptine for lactation suppression face a heightened risk of postpartum hypertension.
- Consider avoiding elective bromocriptine use in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.