An accurate semiautomated oscillometric blood pressure device for use in pregnancy (including pre-eclampsia) in a low-income and middle-income country population

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of the Microlife 3AS1-2 blood pressure device in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia in a low-resource setting. METHODS: Prospective validation according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. A total of 45 pregnant women were recruited from Kimberley Hospital (South Africa), of whom 15 had pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: The Microlife 3AS1-2 device achieved an overall B/A grade in pregnancy (including pre-eclampsia), passing the British Hypertension Society protocol requirements and achieving the International Organization for Standardization standard with a mean difference and SD of -3.8 ± 7.3 and -1.5 ± 6.2 mmHg for systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Microlife 3AS1-2 device can be recommended for use in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia. In addition, it fulfils the requirements stipulated by the WHO for an automated blood pressure device suitable for use in a low-resource setting. This makes it the ideal device for antenatal clinics and primary healthcare facilities in low-income and middle-income countries.