Abstract
Objective
In this study, we piloted the use of continuous 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring
in postpartum patients with preeclampsia with severe features.
Study Design
We measured continuous BP for up to 24 hours using finger plethysmography. We also
used an oscillometric device to measure brachial BP per usual clinical protocol (intermittent
BP) during the same monitoring period. Using a paired t-test, we compared mean BP values assessed using intermittent and continuous methods,
and using McNemar's test, we compared the proportion of patients with sustained severe-range
BP using each BP measurement method.
Results
A total of 25 patients were included in this study. There was no difference in mean
systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure between intermittent and continuous BP
measurements. Intermittently recorded mean diastolic BP (DBP) was significantly higher
than continuously recorded DBP. Eleven participants (44%) had sustained SBP ≥160 mm
Hg using continuous monitoring compared with two using intermittent monitoring (p = 0.003). Of these 11 participants, 3 (37%) also recorded sustained DBP ≥110 mm Hg
using continuous monitoring compared with none using intermittent monitoring.
Conclusion
Continuous BP monitoring is a feasible and reliable method for detecting sustained
severe-range BP in postpartum patients receiving treatment for preeclampsia with severe
features.
Key Points
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Postpartum continuous BP monitoring is feasible.
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Continuous BP detects more sustained severe BP.
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Continuous BP may be a reliable BP method.
Keywords
postpartum - blood pressure - hypertension - preeclampsia - monitoring
