Publication:

Earliest use of initial prophylactic dose of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in severe pre-eclampsia to improve maternal and perinatal outcome, in a rural medical college, WB, India

Background Eclampsia is one of the high risk obstetric complication throughout the world. Till today, eclampsia is one of the important cause of maternal mortality in our country. However the administration of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) has changed the scenario significantly.

Methods The study includes 100 patients with severe pre-eclampsia admitted Malda medical college hospital, from 1st June 2013 to 30th April 2014. This study compares the maternal fatal outcome between two groups of patients with severe pre-eclampsia (BP ≥160/110 mm. proteinuria 2 gm/24 hours. or ≥2 + dipstick.). The first group of patients were admitted in this institution after being referred from primary and secondary health care facilities, after getting initial prophylactic dose of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) (Group A). The second group (Group B) includes those patients who were admitted without getting any prophylactic dose of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) from outside.

Results Patients were included, in group A, eclampsia and maternal mortality were nil. Where as in group B eight (8) patients (16%) had eclampsia and 4 patents (8%) expired.

Conclusions Initial dose prophylactic magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) the earliest, can prevent both maternal perinatal maternal mortality. So, prophylactic magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) must be started at the first point of contact by trained health providers.