Obstetric Nephrology: Pregnancy in Women with Diabetic Nephropathy--The Role of Antihypertensive Treatment

Elisabeth R Mathiesen, Lene Ringholm, Bo Feldt-Rasmussen, Peter Clausen, Peter Damm

    25 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This review highlights factors of importance for the clinical care of pregnant women with pregestational diabetes and microalbuminuria or diabetic nephropathy with particular focus on the role of intensive antihypertensive treatment during pregnancy. Most information in the literature comes from women with type 1 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, but this is probably also valid for women with type 2 diabetes. Careful counseling of women with diabetic nephropathy before pregnancy with estimation of the risk for the mother and fetus is important. Pregnancy does not result in worsening of kidney function in women with diabetic nephropathy and normal serum creatinine, but pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and preterm delivery are common. Intensive metabolic control before and during pregnancy, low-dose aspirin from 12 gestational weeks onward, and intensive antihypertensive treatment are important. Methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine are regarded safe in pregnancy, whereas angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, AngII antagonists, or statins should be paused before pregnancy. Case series and pathophysiological studies support the use of a stringent goal for BP and albumin excretion in pregnant women with diabetic nephropathy. Screening for diabetic retinopathy before and during pregnancy is mandatory and laser treatment should be performed if indicated. Pregnancy outcome in women with diabetic nephropathy has improved considerably with a take-home-baby rate of approximately 95%. Further research on the benefits and risks of intensive antihypertensive treatment in this population is needed.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalClinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology.
    Volume7
    Issue number12
    Pages (from-to)2081-2088
    ISSN1555-9041
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2012

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Obstetric Nephrology: Pregnancy in Women with Diabetic Nephropathy--The Role of Antihypertensive Treatment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this