Hypertensive disorders affect about 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnant women in the U.S., and pose significant risks if left unmanaged. Managing hypertension in pregnancy is crucial for ensuring maternal and fetal health. This is because elevated blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia, stroke, preterm delivery, and even maternal death if not detected early.
This article explores recent clinical research into how remote blood pressure monitoring is being used to monitor and improve outcomes in pregnant patients affected by hypertension.
Why Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring?
Traditional blood pressure monitoring often relies on manual readings, which can be prone to errors and inconsistencies. Remote blood pressure monitoring allows pregnant patients to take readings at home, using a remote blood pressure monitor. RPM devices transmit the patients’ daily blood pressure measurements directly to their care team. This real-time visibility enables clinicians to spot trends, act quickly on concerning readings, and adjust care plans without waiting for the next appointment.
RPM has shown strong potential for improving maternal outcomes. The following section outlines several studies showing the evidence of the impact of using remote patient monitoring to manage hypertension in pregnancy.
Evidence of Impact: Managing Hypertension in Pregnancy with RPM
Remote blood pressure monitoring offers a promising solution. When patients take their blood pressure at home, their care team can evaluate daily readings. Normal readings are recorded for reference, while abnormal readings trigger alerts that prompt clinicians to provide appropriate follow-up.
Researchers have explored the feasibility of remote pregnancy monitoring for detecting and managing hypertension during pregnancy, particularly in underserved communities. One study found that remote monitoring of patients had higher rates of postpartum hypertension detection within 10 days of hospital discharge (91.7%) compared to the in-office group (58.4%). Remote monitoring also helped mitigate racial disparities in high blood pressure detection, with no difference in rates between black and white patients in the remote group, unlike the in-office group.
In another study, UCLA Health found that among 2,019 patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, 74.7% were compliant with remote blood pressure monitoring. Compliance was associated with lower rates of emergency department visits or readmissions (1.8% vs. 3.3%, p=0.039).
Clinical Outcomes of RPM in High-Risk Pregnant Populations
A study at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2021–2023) evaluated the integration of remote patient monitoring into perinatal care for patients at high risk of hypertensive disorders. The study enrolled 98 participants, primarily from rural and Medicaid populations. Of these, 77 actively used remote blood pressure monitoring throughout pregnancy.
No maternal or neonatal deaths were reported within 60 days postpartum, and participants reported high satisfaction with the program. These findings support the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of RPM in managing hypertension during pregnancy, particularly in underserved communities.
Additional research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology examined a text-based remote monitoring program started within 10 days after delivery. Compared to matched controls, patients in the program experienced fewer adverse outcomes, including stroke and eclampsia, along with reduced emergency visits, readmissions, and overall medical costs. These results suggest that RPM can significantly reduce postpartum complications from hypertensive disorders up to six months after delivery.
Finally, recent research from the University of Pittsburgh evaluated the impact of extending remote blood pressure monitoring to one year postpartum for patients with persistent hypertension. Out of 296 patients enrolled, 141 opted into the extended monitoring program. Among these participants, 92% achieved blood pressure control (<140/90 mm Hg), compared to 71% in the standard 6-week postpartum follow-up group. Extended monitoring also resulted in higher rates of primary care visits and improved long-term blood pressure management.
Understanding Managing Hypertension in Pregnancy
By leveraging remote patient monitoring, healthcare providers can monitor pregnant patients with hypertension remotely, ensuring timely intervention and management. However, it’s crucial to address potential barriers to patient engagement and tailor protocols to suit the diverse needs of pregnant individuals, managing hypertension in pregnancy.
Maternal hypertension is a serious concern that requires diligent monitoring and management. These studies show the potential of remote blood pressure monitoring for managing hypertension in pregnancy as a feasible and acceptable tool for improving perinatal care, particularly in vulnerable populations. Researchers continue to explore innovative solutions to prioritize the well-being of mothers and babies, ensuring a safer and healthier journey through pregnancy and beyond.
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