Clinical accuracy of inflationary oscillometry in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia: Omron-MIT Elite

ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of the Omron MIT Elite in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia according to the British Hypertension Society protocol (BHS).DesignProspective observational study.SettingAntenatal clinics and wards at St. Thomas’ Hospital (London, UK).PopulationForty-five pregnant women including 15 with pre-eclampsia.MethodsNine sequential same arm blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken from each woman by trained observers, alternating between mercury sphygmomanometry and the test device.Main outcome measuresGrading criteria of the BHS protocol (A/B grade = pass; C/D = fail).ResultsThe Omron MIT Elite achieved a grade A/A in both pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The mean difference (SD) between the mercury standard and the device in pregnancy was −1.1 (5.2) mm Hg and 1.5 (4.8) mm Hg for systolic and diastolic BP respectively compared to 0.2 (5.3) mm Hg and 2.2 (5.5) mm Hg in pre-eclampsia.ConclusionThe Omron MIT Elite can be recommended for use in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia according to the BHS protocol. To date, this is the most accurate automated BP device validated in pre-eclampsia.