Hi, just a question on MESs of PIH patients

Is you research in the MIMs (the drug Bible used here in Australia), Lasix must NOT be given during pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary. If treatment with Lasix is to be used during pregnancy, then fetal growth has to be closely monitored.


As you would know, Lasix is a "loop-diuretic" and it has the capacity to cross the placental cord and enter the fetal circulation. The biggest problem with this is that it can cause electrolyte disturbances, and worse yet, thrombocytopenia of the fetus. This is of the biggest risk during early stages of pregnancy. That's not to rule out risks during later stages of pregnancy. The MIMs indicates that "During the latter part of pregnancy products of this type should only be given on sound indications, and then in the lowest effective dose."


An alternative drug which is commonly used to to treat HT in pregnant women is Aldomet, which CAN be used for pregnant women.



Hope that helps !!

Think about the swelling you are dealing with. It is interstitial swelling, commonly referred to as "third spacing". Fluid is trapped in the tissues(leaky capillaries), not in the intravascular space. These patients, though they are swollen, tend to already be on the dry side. Giving them Lasix would only further the dehydration and your swelling would still persist. Managing the hypertension and protein imbalances would be your best bet, not a diuretic.

Keep in mind that elevated BP is only a symptom of PIH and even if it is lowered does not fix the underlying problem. Edema is no longer considered diagnostic of PIH, but even if we could correct for it we still would not have cured the PIH. The only cure is delivery so you have to question the benefit of introducing other meds on top of what she is already on. Sounds like you have the science down (better than me )