Evaluation of the Fetal Neuroprotection Protocol with Magnesium Sulphate in a University Hospital in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: Prematurity continues to stand as a major public health issue worldwide and more particularly for low incomes countries like Burkina Faso. Indeed, it is the main cause of high death rate and infant morbidity, neurologic deficiencies being one of them. Objective: From March 1st to September 30th, 2020, evaluate the fetal neuroprotection protocol using sulfate magnesium during births before thirty-three (33) weeks of amenorrhea at the University Health Centers (UHC) of Yalgado Ouedraogo and Bogodogo in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Patients and Methods: It was a prospective cohort survey, exposed or unexposed. The exposed ones are from the UHC of Yalgado Ouedraogo, while the unexposed ones are from the UHC of Bogodogo. Analysis of the results showed 87 newborns from the exposed and 180 from the unexposed. The mortality rate, as well as neonatal neurologic complications, was higher with unexposed than with exposed. Although antenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate was not statistically associated with mortality and morbidity in newborns at a threshold of 0.05%, it has shown an overall good neurological prognosis in newborns exposed. Conclusion: A survey of a large sample of the population would be relevant in order to better assess the determinants of this influence. Proposition: In light of the results, the use of magnesium sulfate for neuroprotective purposes could be considered in our countries.