Effect of the loading dose of magnesium sulfate on the Doppler velocimetry parameters in the uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries in severe preeclampsia

Abstract

Abstract Background Preeclampsia is pregnancy-specific syndrome of reduced organ perfusion secondary to vasospasm and endothelial activation. Aim of the Work to assess the effect of injecting magnesium sulfate on Doppler parameters of uterine artery, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in women with severe preeclampsia. Patients and Methods This study included eighty pregnant with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia who were given magnesium sulphate therapy in Ain Shams University Maternity hospital. The Study group included 80 pregnant patients Doppler flow velocity parameters (resistance index [RI], pulsatility index [PI] and systolic/diastolic [S/D] ratio) were evaluated in the uterine, fetal umbilical and middle cerebral arteries before and 20 minutes after intravenous administration of 6 grams of magnesium sulfate (Loading dose). Results Magnesium sulfate had significant hemodynamic effects with significant reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Regarding the Doppler studies, it was found that after administration of magnesium sulfate there was significant reduction in the Doppler velocimetry parameters (Resistance index[RI], Pulsatility index[PI] and systolic/diastolic[S/D] ratio) in the uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries denoting decreased vascular resistance with increased blood flow in these vessels. Conclusion Intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia resulted in a decrease in uterine artery, fetal umbilical and middle cerebral arteries Doppler indices with reduced resistance to blood flow in these vessels.