A 28-year-old primigravida at 37 weeks gestation has severe pre-eclampsia with BP 160/110 mmHg, headache, and proteinuria 3+. According to the HYPITAT trial findings, the most appropriate management strategy is:
- A Expectant management until 40 weeks to improve fetal maturity
- B Immediate caesarean section regardless of cervical favourability
- C Induction of labour is preferred over expectant management at term ✓
- D Corticosteroids followed by delivery at 38 weeks
Correct answer: C. Induction of labour is preferred over expectant management at term
Explanation
The HYPITAT trial (2009) randomised women with gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia at 36–41 weeks to induction of labour versus expectant monitoring, demonstrating that induction significantly reduced the composite of poor maternal outcomes without increasing caesarean rates or adverse neonatal outcomes. For severe pre-eclampsia at term, induction or delivery is the standard of care and expectant management beyond term is not justified.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.