A comparison of the safety of oral labetalol versus nifedipine to manage hypertension in pregnancy in Australia: a target trial emulation

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Labetalol and nifedipine are two of the most common oral antihypertensives used to manage these conditions; however, it is not clear whether one medication may offer greater benefit to mothers and babies than the other. The aim of this study was to compare the risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for oral labetalol versus nifedipine among women with hypertension in pregnancy. Methods: This was a target trial emulation using linked data, including pregnancy episodes between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2020 in Victoria, Australia. We included ..