A comparison between the two methods of magnesium sulfate administration for duration of 12 versus 24 h after delivery in patients with severe preeclampsia

Abstract

Objectives: To compare between the two methods of magnesium sulfate administration for duration of 12 versus 24 h after delivery in patients with severe preeclampsia. Method: The study was performed as a randomized clinical trial on 182 cases of severe preeclampsia. In one group, Mg sulfate (MgSO4) was prescribed for 12 h after delivery and, in the other group, it was prescribed for 24 h after delivery. Both groups were compared for occurrence of convulsion and other adverse effects. Results: The women of the two groups did not have significant difference according to age, BMI, parity and gravidity, gestational age at the time of delivery. Also, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, antihypertensive use, previous diabetes and renal disorders, gestational diabetes, and proteinuria were similar in both groups before treatment. One woman had convulsion in the 12-h group and MgSO4 was continued for 24 h in this case. Blood pressure, urine volume, and laboratory indexes did not show significant differences between the two groups before and after treatment. Also, adverse effects were similar in both groups. Pain of the injection site was less in the 12-h group (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Administration of MgSO4 for a duration of 12 h after delivery should be considered somehow as effective as 24 h prescription for preventing convulsion after delivery.