Low-dose Magnesium Sulfate Regime for Eclampsia in India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) can be a drug for its management. Objectives To study the safety and efficacy of low-dose MgSO4 for control of convulsions in case of eclampsia and to compare it with Pritchard regimen in terms of its effects and perinatal outcome. Materials and methods This study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. It was a prospective study and included 78 cases of eclampsia. Thirty-nine cases were given low-dose regime and remaining 39 were given Pritchard regimen. Low-dose regime for eclampsia: Loading dose 4 gm MgSO4 IV diluted in 20 cc of 5% dextrose, slowly over 5 to 8 minutes. Maintenance dose 2 gm IV similarly diluted was given 3 hourly till 24 hours after delivery or after convulsion which ever was later. If recurrence of convulsions occurs, then additional dose 2 gm IV was given and previous dose schedule continued as such. Results Eclamptic convulsions were controlled in 94.87% of cases with low-dose regime, and in the remaining cases were controlled with additional 2 gm IV dose MgSO4 compared to 37.14% with Pritchard regimen. Conclusion Low-dose magnesium regime is highly suitable for women in our setup, and it is as effective as Pritchard regimen for controlling convulsions in eclampsia along with better perinatal outcome and with less MgSO4 toxicity. How to cite this article Garg R, Agrawal N, Kumari SS, Agrawal P. Low-dose Magnesium Sulfate Regime for Eclampsia in India. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(1):5-8.