Evaluation of the clinical outcome of captopril use for hypertensive urgency in Khartoum State's emergency centres

BACKGROUND: Captopril is an important drug and is used to control hypertensive urgency world-wide. But there is very little data available regarding the evaluation of its outcomes in hypertensive urgency among African patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of captopril use for hypertensive urgency at a selection of Sudanese emergency centres. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted between 15 to 30 November 2015. A total of 50 patients, attending a selection of Khartoum State hospital emergency centres, with a clinical diagnosis of hypertensive urgency were approached by investigators for the study. Dose regimen, prognosis, and reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were collected alongside a questionaire to patients regarding their care (compliance, etc.). Data were analysed using the Chi-square Test to compare the mean differences for various results. Differences were considered to be significant at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Around two-thirds (60%) of participants were female, and 28% were non-compliant with treatment. A 25mg dose of captopril was the most frequently used dose. Most of the patients (66%) did not have pre-existing disease. The majority of patients showed an improved blood pressure: both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced by 16-25% and 5-15%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the dose of 25 mg of captopril is effective in managing hypertensive urgency and controlling the blood pressure. We also recommend that patients receiving captopril must be observed in the emergency centre for further evaluation.