Obstetric nephrology: pregnancy in women with diabetic nephropathy--the role of antihypertensive treatment

Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Dec;7(12):2081-8. doi: 10.2215/CJN.00920112. Epub 2012 Aug 23.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Albuminuria / etiology
  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Counseling
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / etiology
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / physiopathology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Pre-Eclampsia / etiology
  • Pre-Eclampsia / prevention & control*
  • Preconception Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Renin-Angiotensin System

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Aspirin