Open AccessThe Effects and Side Effects of Diuretics in the Prophylaxis of Toxaemia of Pregnancy
Author(s) -
Tervilä Leo,
Vartiainen Eero
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016347109157337
Subject(s) - medicine , diuretic , chlorthalidone , pregnancy , incidence (geometry) , potassium , gestation , anesthesia , endocrinology , physiology , obstetrics , chemistry , genetics , physics , organic chemistry , optics , biology
In a series comprising 211 pregnant patients, the prophylactic effect of chlorthalidone on the incidence of gestosis was studied by means of a single‐blind trial. The study continued from the 16th week of pregnancy until term. No beneficial effects were observed. In addition, the maternal serum potassium and sodium levels were found to be significantly lowered in the diuretic group. This made it necessary to administer potassium perorally to most of this group and to two of them even in the form of infusions. No significant differences in the parameters of the newborn infants were observed. On the other hand, the placentae in the diuretic group were definitely larger than in the control group, a fact which may be suggestive or eventual alterations in the glycogen metabolism.