Effect of magnesium sulphate for antenatal mothers in preterm labour for neuroprotection in infants

Abstract

Background and Aim: In recent times, survival of preterm infants has improved drastically. In addition to significant contribution to neonatal mortality, impact of prematurity among survivors may continue throughout life impairing long-term physical life through neuro-disability. Maternal administration of magnesium sulphate prior to impending preterm birth is an effective strategy to reduce neuromorbidity. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of antenatal magnesium sulphate for neuroprotection in preterm infants between 26 and 34 weeks in preventing early neonatal morbidity and mortality. Secondary objective was to assess any adverse events with the use of magnesium sulphate on the mother and neonate. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study at our tertiary care hospital of 50 pregnant women who gave preterm births. Fifty infants each were born to mothers who were given 4gm intravenous loading dose MgSO4, preferably 4 h prior to preterm birth. Results: Among all the preterm in our study, 90% delivered between 30 and 34 weeks. Thompson score revealed that 60 % of the new-born had normal neuronal development.Considering infusion (MgSO4) – delivery interval, 80% of delivery occurring after 13 hours was predominant. The APGAR score at 1 minute was 5.78±1.64 and at 5 minutes 7.44±1.49 was observed. About 92% of the neonates were normal.Conclusion: Antenatal magnesium sulphate given to women in established preterm labour conferred significant neuroprotective advantage to the neonate and it is a safe drug to use in antenatal women.