Does MgSO4 Treatment Affect Maternal Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) Score in Preterm Labor?

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluated the association between magnesium sulfate treatment for fetal neuroprotection on APRI scores in pregnant women with the preterm birth threat.
 Material and Methods: Thirty-one pregnant women hospitalized and received MgSO4 for preterm birth risk in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, between 2019-2022 were included, and the patient records were evaluated retrospectively. The fetal neuroprotective MgSO4 treatment protocol included administering a loading infusion dose of 4 grams/30 minutes followed by a 1 gram/hour infusion for 24 hours to pregnant women hospitalized for a threat of preterm labor. In addition, the electrocardiography, hemogram, and hepatic and renal functions were evaluated upon hospitalization before MgSO4 administration, and patients were monitored closely. Women who gave birth before completion of 24 hours of MgSO4 administration, multiple pregnancies, patients with comorbid deteriorated liver or kidney functions, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, fetal abnormalities, gestational diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, adolescent and advanced age pregnancies or any other obstetric complications were excluded from analyses. The APRI score was calculated and compared between the results of the biochemical analyses performed at initiation (basal) and 12th hour of MgSO4 administration.
 Results: The mean APRI score at the 12th hour of administration (0.45±0.07) was significantly higher than the basal values (0.31±0.07) (p0.05 for all).
 Conclusions: Magnesium sulfate treatment for preterm birth threat significantly increases APRI score at the 12th hour of administration.