Publication:

Use of single dose prophylactic magnesium sulphate in severe preeclampsia in preventing seizures

Background Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific multi organ disease process characterized by de novo development of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia complicates 2-8% of pregnancies.

Methods We have studied 100 patients with severe preeclampsia who were randomly divided into two groups. One group received 4 gm intravenous MgSO4 on admission which was prepared by diluting in 10 ml normal saline and was given over 10-12 minutes slowly with strict monitoring. 50 patients of severe pre-eclampsia with B.P>160/110 mm of Hg were given the prophylactic dose and rest 50 acted as controls. Monitoring of B.P., urine output; respiratory rate and FHS was done.

Results We have 1 case of seizure after 8 hours of giving loading dose, which was changed to Pritchard’s regimen for further management whereas 7 patients had in the control groups. There were no cases of magnesium toxicity seen. There were no cases of maternal deaths and postpartum convulsions.

Conclusions Single loading dose of magnesium sulphate is an efficient prophylactic in preventing eclampsia.