Apsa Kallur¹, Mohammad Waqas¹
Postpartum pain management is crucial for the well-being of women, and NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are commonly prescribed. However, concerns arise regarding their potential effects on blood pressure, especially in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This review aims to evaluate the impact of ibuprofen on postpartum blood pressure in this specific population.
We conducted an in-depth review of multiple studies, including the Hypertension in Postpartum Preeclampsia Study (HIPPS), randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews. These investigations examined the utilization of NSAIDs, predominantly ibuprofen, in postpartum pain management for women experiencing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Our analysis encompassed a range of pain assessments, and maternal health outcomes, evaluated across diverse research trials.
The HIPPS trial, a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, revealed no significant difference in postpartum blood pressure between women who received acetaminophen. Similar findings were reported in other randomized controlled trials, where ibuprofen did not elevate blood pressure compared to acetaminophen. Conversely, a study focusing on severe pre-eclampsia suggested that ibuprofen led to elevated blood pressure levels during the postpartum period. No correlation was revealed between NSAID usage and blood pressure levels reaching or surpassing ≥150/100 mm Hg after doing systematic review and meta-analysis. Nonetheless, the analysis identified a statistically notable yet clinically insignificant extension in the duration of postpartum hospitalization linked to NSAID administration
In summary, the data indicates that ibuprofen administration does not lead to elevated postpartum blood pressure (BP) among women with hypertensive abnormalities of pregnancy. Additionally, its usage is linked with effective pain relief and positive patient feedback. These results align with existing recommendations suggesting that the drugs ibuprofen and acetaminophen produce similar effects on BP in women with preeclampsia. Despite ongoing concerns, especially in instances of severe pre-eclampsia, additional research is necessary to fully understand the intricate connection between NSAID utilization and postpartum blood pressure, thus ensuring the provision of optimal pain management without jeopardizing maternal well-being.
