Magnesium Sulfate Prophylaxis Research Articles

Magnesium Sulphate Prophylaxis in Severe Preeclampsia-lessons Learnt from Recent Trials Conducted in Low-Middle-Income-Countries: A Systematic Review

Magnesium Sulphate Prophylaxis in Severe Preeclampsia-lessons Learnt from Recent Trials Conducted in Low-Middle-Income-Countries: A Systematic Review

Eclampsia reduction with maternal early warning trigger tool

ObjectivesTo observe the incidence of eclampsia before and after implementing Maternal Early Warning Trigger (MEWT) tool. Study designA retrospective observational study to evaluate the effect of introduction of MEWT tool in a tertiary referral center with 10,000 annual births. Two epochs of five years duration were compared before and after implementing MEWT tool. MEWT tool has triggers for early identification of clinical deterioration and pathways for four most important maternal morbidity causes including hypertension. Hypertension pathway has emphasis on rapid control of severe acute hypertension, lab tests and magnesium sulfate prophylaxis. All pregnant women who registered and delivered at the study institute were included. Main outcomes measuresPrimary outcome was effect of MEWT tool on the incidence of eclampsia. A subset analysis was done to study the effect of MEWT tool on maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with hypertensive disease. Maternal ICU admissions, HELLP, pulmonary oedema, intracranial bleed and maternal deaths, and perinatal mean birthweight and gestational age, NICU admissions, prematurity, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths were compared. ResultsThe study period had 37,043 and 45,637 women in pre- and post-MEWT periods. The incidence of eclampsia reduced by 45.4 % from 1.1 to 0.6 per 1000 women (p 0.001). The most significant reduction was seen with antepartum eclampsia (0.8 to 0.3 per 1000, p = 0.02). There was significant reduction in all maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders (3,506 and 6,016 in pre- and post- MEWT periods) after introduction of MEWT tool. ConclusionIntegrating the MEWT tool into the obstetric practice helps in reducing the incidence of eclampsia and improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

Impact of Implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index on Patients Presenting With Severe Hypertension

ABSTRACT The timely triage of pregnant patients presenting for emergent care is an important factor for decreasing maternal morbidity and mortality. The Maternal-Fetal Triage Index (MFTI) is an assessment tool developed by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses in 2014 and endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in 2016 for triaging obstetrical patients presenting for emergent care. The Joint Commission has identified response time to severe hypertension, or preeclampsia, as one of its elements of performance. The aim of this study was to examine the management of women with severe hypertension before and after the implementation of MFTI. This was a prospective, observational study at a county-supported, urban academic hospital, serving medically indigent women. Included were women at ≥24 weeks of gestation, who presented in the hospital's obstetric triage unit with severe preeclampsia diagnosed by severe hypertension. Severe hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥160/110 mm Hg. Excluded were those who were not admitted for delivery at the time of presentation. Patients with BP ≥160/110 mm Hg were given magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) prophylaxis and treated with intravenous hydralazine, labetalol, or immediate-release nifedipine. Patients admitted before the implementation of MFTI (between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019) represented epoch 1 of the cohort. Those admitted after MFTI implementation (between March 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021) made up epoch 2. Nursing staff used the criteria outlined in the MFTI to prioritize patient acuity. A 1 score is the highest priority, and a 5 score is the lowest priority. The primary outcome was the time interval to evaluate and manage women with severe hypertension before and after MFTI implementation, as measured by arrival time to provider assessment, arrival time to MgSO4 prophylaxis, and arrival time to the administration of antihypertensive medications. There were 370 patients in epoch 1, before MFTI implementation, and 254 patients in epoch 2, after implementation. The time from arrival to provider assessment improved significantly from epoch 1 to epoch 2 (median time: 44 minutes [interquartile range, 0–65 minutes] vs 17 minutes [IQR, 0–39 minutes], respectively; P < 0.001). The time from arrival to MgSO4 prophylaxis also improved (160 minutes [IQR, 109–256 minutes] vs 126 minutes [IQR, 85–258 minutes], respectively; P = 0.001). There was a decrease in the time from arrival to administration of antihypertensive medications between the 2 time frames (101 minutes [IQR, 61–177 minutes] in epoch 1 vs 66 minutes [IQR, 35–203 minutes] in epoch 2; P < 0.001). In a separate analysis, race and ethnicity did not factor into the performance of MFTI. Overall, there was an improvement in the evaluation and management of pregnant women with severe hypertension after the implementation of MFTI, regardless of race and ethnicity. Timely identification and management of this high-risk population may improve maternal morbidity and mortality.

Impact of implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index on patients presenting with severe hypertension

Severe hypertension remains one of the leading preventable causes of maternal mortality in the United States. Timeliness to response to severe hypertension in pregnancy is a crucial quality indicator tracked by state and national organizations. We hypothesized that the implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index, a validated acuity tool, would improve care performance in women with severe hypertension in an urban, inner-city hospital setting. This study aimed to assess the impact of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index on the management of women presenting with severe preeclampsia diagnosed by severe hypertension as measured by time to provider assessment, administration of magnesium sulfate, and immediate administration of acute antihypertensives. This was a prospective, observational study of pregnant women presenting to the labor and delivery triage unit with severe preeclampsia diagnosed by severe hypertension giving birth at a large urban inner-city academic facility before (epoch 1: January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019) and after (epoch 2: March 1, 2021, to September 31, 2021) the implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index. Baseline outcomes of time to assessment, time to magnesium sulfate prophylaxis, and time to antihypertensive medication administration before the implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index were assessed. The Maternal-Fetal Triage Index tool was implemented on March 1, 2021, following standardized education in 2020 for all triage nurses, unit technicians, healthcare unit coordinators, and healthcare providers. Time to assessment, administration of magnesium sulfate prophylaxis, and time to antihypertensive administration after the implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index were compared with measures before the implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon rank-sum test with P<.05 considered significant when comparing epoch 1 with epoch2. A total of 370 patients were admitted with severe hypertension in 2019 before the use of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index, and 254 patients were admitted with severe hypertension in 2021 after the implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index. There was no difference between epochs across baseline characteristics, including age, race and ethnicity, parity, and body mass index. After the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index was implemented, the time to provider assessment was significantly improved, from a median time of 44 minutes (interquartile range, 0-65) in epoch 1 to 17 minutes (interquartile range, 0-39) in epoch 2 (P<.001). Furthermore, the time from arrival to magnesium sulfate prophylaxis was significantly faster with a median time of 161 minutes (interquartile range, 109-256) in epoch 1 vs 127 minutes (interquartile range, 85-258) in epoch 2 (P=.001). Moreover, there was a decrease in the time from arrival to antihypertensive medication administration for severe blood pressures after the implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index (101 minutes [interquartile range, 61-177] vs 66 minutes [interquartile range, 35-203]; P<.001). The implementation of the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index at a large urban inner-city hospital was associated with improved timeliness of assessment and treatment of women with severe hypertension. The Maternal-Fetal Triage Index is a viable tool to improve the efficiency in triage units, specifically in the management of severe hypertension.

Can magnesium sulfate prophylaxis reduce colistin nephrotoxicity?

The study aimed to investigate the role of magnesium sulfate prophylaxis in nephrotoxicity caused by colistin. Thirty Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: control, colistin, magnesium (Mg), and Mg+colistin. The drugs were administered to the groups for seven days. Urea-creatinine values were measured at the beginning (T0) and end (T1) of the study. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in plasma and kidney tissue, glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed in the erythrocyte and kidney tissues. At the end of the study, the semiquantitative score (SQS) was calculated by the histopathological examination of the kidneys. Urea values significantly decreased in Mg and Mg+colistin groups compared to the baseline (p=0.013 and p=0.001). At the time of T1, these groups had significantly lower urea values than the colistin and control groups. Creatinine value was significantly increased in the colistin group compared to baseline (p=0.005), the creatinine value in the colistin group was significantly higher than the Mg+colistin group (p=0.011). Plasma MDA levels were significantly higher in the colistin group compared to the other groups at the time of T1 (p<0.001). The Mg+colistin group had lower renal MDA levels than the colistin group. The colistin group had significantly higher renal tubular grade (p=0.035), renal affected area (p<0.001), and SQS (p=0.001) than the Mg+colistin group. The results of the study suggested that Mg sulfate may have a nephrotoxicity-reducing effect on colistin.

The effect of normal saline on renal function and electrolytes in women with preeclampsia

Introduction Due to a nationwide shortage of Ringer’s lactate, normal saline became the intravenous fluid of choice at our institution in May 2018. Recent studies have shown that the administration of normal saline in critically ill patients may have adverse renal effects. Objective Our objective was to evaluate the renal function effects; if any, of normal saline administered to women with preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate. Materials and methods This is a prospective observational study of women identified with preeclampsia with severe features, requiring magnesium sulfate prophylaxis. The amount of normal saline administered was calculated and a basic metabolic panel was surveyed 12 h after initiation of magnesium sulfate prophylaxis. Laboratory analytes were examined according to the volume of intravenous normal saline received, including a comparison to those women who did not receive normal saline, to determine the impact of parameters after 12 h of magnesium sulfate prophylaxis. Results From May 2018 to November 2018, a total of 233 patients receiving magnesium sulfate were identified, 184 of which had received intravenous normal saline. No differences were identified at 12 h in serum chloride or creatinine between those patients who received intravenous normal saline and those who did not. This finding persisted when serum chloride and creatinine were analyzed across quartiles of normal saline received. Interestingly, serum calcium was found to decrease with increasing serum magnesium (p < .001). This association was also dependent upon the amount of intravenous fluids received (p < .001) when controlling for serum magnesium. Conclusion Renal function indices were preserved despite the introduction of normal saline with oxytocin into routine practice. No dose–response relationship was identified when serum chloride and creatinine were analyzed across quartiles of normal saline received. Interestingly, serum calcium levels were noted to decline with both the amount of intravenous fluid received as well as with increasing serum magnesium levels.

Magnesium sulfate prophylaxis attenuates the postpartum effects of preeclampsia by promoting M2 macrophage polarization.

Preeclampsia is a complex disorder that is characterized by new onset hypertension and proteinuria at or after 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. MgSO4 is commonly used to treat severe preeclampsia, but its mechanism of action is poorly understood, and investigations into the effects of MgSO4 during the postpartum period are lacking. In this study, timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on gestational day 14 to induce preeclampsia. Maternal and fetal outcomes and the macrophage profile 1 week after delivery were explored. On postpartum day (PD) 7, the maternal systolic blood pressure and urinary protein level were significantly increased, the number of M1 macrophages was increased and the number of M2 macrophages was decreased in the maternal kidney and brain; the median duration of gestation, the number of live fetuses, and the fetal weight/placenta weight ratio were significantly decreased; and the percentage of growth-restricted pups and fetal mortality were significantly increased in preeclampsia rats compared to normal pregnant control rats. Prophylactic MgSO4 decreased blood pressure at PD7, improved pregnancy outcomes, and promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages in the kidney and of M2 microglia in the brain of preeclampsia rats. These findings confirm that the pathophysiology of preeclampsia involves the dysregulation of the inflammatory response and the activation of M1 macrophages in several target organs during pregnancy. MgSO4 prophylaxis attenuates the postpartum effects of preeclampsia by promoting M2 macrophage polarization in the maternal kidney and brain.

Does Introduction of Normal Saline Tip the Electrolyte Balance in Preeclampsia? [33I

INTRODUCTION: Due to a nationwide shortage of Ringer's lactate, normal saline became the intravenous fluid of choice at our institution in 5/2018. Recent studies have raised concern on safety of administration of normal saline in critically ill patients. We sought to evaluate the impact of normal saline on the outcomes of women with preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate. METHODS: Prospective observational study of women with preeclampsia with severe features receiving normal saline. The amount of normal saline administered was calculated and a basic metabolic panel was surveyed approximately 12 hours after initiation of magnesium sulfate prophylaxis. Laboratory analytes were examined according to the amount of intravenous fluid received. RESULTS: From 5/2018 to 7/2018, a total of 124 patients were identified. The mean intravenous fluid volume received was 1.84 ± 0.9 L. Serum creatinine and chloride levels remained unchanged over time and across quartiles of amount of fluid received (p=0.322 and p=0.822, respectively). Incidentally, a significant relationship was found between calcium levels and both the amount of normal saline received (p=0.0003) and concurrent magnesium levels (p<.0001). When testing for interaction between calcium, magnesium, and normal saline, both of the latter contributed to an increased risk of hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: There does not appear to be a significant consequence to either chloride levels or renal function when utilizing normal saline in women with preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate. Coincidentally, calcium levels significantly declined as the amount of intravenous fluid increased, which given the association with magnesium levels is suspected to be a function of magnesium sulfate exposure.

Does Introduction of Normal Saline Tip the Electrolyte Balance in Preeclampsia? [33I

INTRODUCTION: Due to a nationwide shortage of Ringer's lactate, normal saline became the intravenous fluid of choice at our institution in 5/2018. Recent studies have raised concern on safety of administration of normal saline in critically ill patients. We sought to evaluate the impact of normal saline on the outcomes of women with preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate. METHODS: Prospective observational study of women with preeclampsia with severe features receiving normal saline. The amount of normal saline administered was calculated and a basic metabolic panel was surveyed approximately 12 hours after initiation of magnesium sulfate prophylaxis. Laboratory analytes were examined according to the amount of intravenous fluid received. RESULTS: From 5/2018 to 7/2018, a total of 124 patients were identified. The mean intravenous fluid volume received was 1.84 ± 0.9 L. Serum creatinine and chloride levels remained unchanged over time and across quartiles of amount of fluid received (p=0.322 and p=0.822, respectively). Incidentally, a significant relationship was found between calcium levels and both the amount of normal saline received (p=0.0003) and concurrent magnesium levels (p<.0001). When testing for interaction between calcium, magnesium, and normal saline, both of the latter contributed to an increased risk of hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: There does not appear to be a significant consequence to either chloride levels or renal function when utilizing normal saline in women with preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate. Coincidentally, calcium levels significantly declined as the amount of intravenous fluid increased, which given the association with magnesium levels is suspected to be a function of magnesium sulfate exposure.

Combination of myasthenia gravis and HELLP Syndrome in pregnancy: case report and literature review

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction. Preeclampsia/HELLP Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication. The combination of HELLP Syndrome and MG is challenging because the preferred treatment regimens for both conditions generally contradict each other. Our aim is to describe the management options when these two diseases occur simultaneously. We present a case in which a woman with an established diagnosis of MG developed HELLP Syndrome at 31 weeks gestation. Magnesium sulfate prophylaxis was not utilized because of the patient’s MG diagnosis. A cesarean delivery was performed. Reported cases with combined diagnoses of MG and preeclampsia/HELLP Syndrome are reviewed and adjustments to treatment plans are discussed. Management of such patients should be done with a multidisciplinary approach in advanced medical centers with careful consideration of the medications used.

Loading Dose only versus Standard Dose Magnesium Sulfate Seizure Prophylaxis in Severe Pre-eclamptic Women

Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for prevention of seizures in the pre-eclamptic woman. There is no agreement in the published randomized trials regarding the optimal time to initiate magnesium sulfate, the dose to use (both loading and maintenance) as well as the duration of therapy. The objective of this study is to determine whether magnesium sulfate prophylaxis is needed for up to 24 hours postpartum in all patients with severe pre-eclampsia for the prevention of seizure. It is a randomized controlled trial conducted on 60 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia randomized into standard dose and loading dose only regimen. Out of 30 cases in each group 1 (3.3%) patient in standard regimen and 2 (6.7%) patients in loading dose only developed seizure. The occurrence of seizure is not significant statistically. In both regimens, there was no maternal mortality. Total of 3 patients needed MICU care and 12 patient developed maternal complications. MgSO4 toxicities were seen only in standard dose regimen that is in 17 (56.7%) of the patients. The median number of IM injections of MgSO4 received in standard dose regimen was 8±2.176. In standard dose regimen 73.3 percent baby were alive whereas in case of loading dose only regimen 93.3 percent of baby were alive after 48 hours of delivery. Single dose of magnesium sulfate is equally effective as standard dose regimen in terms of seizure prophylaxis in severe pre eclamptic women, with added advantage of reduced maternal toxicity and better neonatal outcome.

Should magnesium sulfate be administered to women with mild pre-eclampsia? A systematic review of published reports on eclampsia.

Magnesium sulfate is an evidence-based anticonvulsant drug used to prevent and control eclampsia. Controversy persists on routine administration of magnesium sulfate in cases of pre-eclampsia without severe features. Our objective was to assess the pattern of blood pressure and maternal symptoms preceding eclamptic seizure based on the current published work. A comprehensive computer-based publication search was conducted in the African Journals Online, Google scholar, HINARI, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases and the Cochrane library to identify descriptive study reports for blood pressure, severity symptoms or stage of pregnancy during convulsion in women with eclampsia. A total of 59 publications were eligible for this review. Overall, 21,149 eclamptic women from 26 countries were included for the interest of one or more of the selected variables. Out of 18,488 eclamptic women, the proportion of antepartum, intrapartum and post-partum eclampsia was 59%, 20% and 21%, respectively. Out of 3443 eclamptic women, 25% were normotensive; 20% had mild-to-moderate hypertension; 32% had severe hypertension; and 21% were hypertensive but unclassified. Out of 2163 eclamptic women, 66% and 27% had a headache and visual disturbance, respectively, preceding the occurrence of convulsion. Out of 2053 eclamptic women, 25% had epigastric area pain, and out of 1092 women with eclampsia, 25% were asymptomatic. Although eclampsia is known to result from severe pre-eclampsia with or without organ function derangement, this review has revealed that a significant number of eclamptic women had either normal blood pressure or mild-to-moderate hypertension immediately before seizure. The findings are apparently in support of initiating magnesium sulfate prophylaxis to all women with mild pre-eclampsia.

Eclampsia, a comparison within the International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems

To compare incidences, characteristics, management and outcome of eclampsia in the Netherlands and the UK. A comparative analysis of two population-based prospective cohort studies. All hospitals with consultant-led maternity units. Women with eclampsia in the Netherlands (226) and the UK (264). Comparison of individual level data from national studies in the Netherlands and the UK (LEMMoN 2004-06; UKOSS 2005/06). Incidence, maternal complications and differences in management strategies. Incidences of eclampsia differed significantly between both countries: the Netherlands 5.4/10,000 deliveries versus UK 2.7/10,000 (relative risk [RR] 1.94, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 1.6-2.4). The proportion of women with a preceding diagnosis of pre-eclampsia was comparable between both countries (the Netherlands 42%; UK 43%), as was the proportion who received magnesium sulphate prophylaxis. Women in the Netherlands had a significantly higher maximum diastolic blood pressure (111 mmHg versus 95 mmHg, P < 0.001); significantly fewer received anti-hypertensive medication (16% versus 71%; RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.3) and were treated less often with magnesium sulphate after their first fit (95% versus 99%; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99). Maternal death occurred in three cases in the Netherlands compared with zero in the UK. The incidence of eclampsia in the Netherlands was twice as high compared with the UK when using uniform definitions. Women with eclampsia in the Netherlands were not managed according to guidelines, particularly with respect to blood pressure management. Changes in management practice may reduce both incidence and poor outcomes.

Eclampsia: Trends in Incidence and Outcomes over 30 Years

This study set out to describe the incidence, mortality rates, and treatment of eclampsia over a 30-year period in a large urban population. A detailed report of all pregnancies delivered in the Dublin area from 1977 to 2006 was reviewed for incidence, mortality, and treatment of eclampsia. Almost all pregnancies in this area are managed at one of three major obstetric hospitals. All offer comprehensive antenatal care and operate a restrictive policy to magnesium sulfate prophylaxis, in which MgSO4 is reserved for patients with severe preeclampsia or who have already had an eclamptic seizure. During the 30-year study period, there were a total of 626,929 deliveries. Of the 247 cases of eclampsia (3.9/10,000 deliveries) and four maternal deaths (0.63/100,000 deliveries) attributed to eclampsia, none received MgSO4. The mortality rate due to eclampsia was 1.6% (4/247). The use of MgSO4 increased significantly from 11% (13/115) in the first decade of the study to 88.1% (67/76) in the last decade (p < 0.001). The incidence of eclampsia decreased from 5.4/10,000 in the first decade to 3.5/10,000 in the final decade of the study (p < 0.0001). Over the study period, MgSO4 has become the leading antiseizure medication used, and this has led to a significant decrease in rates of eclampsia.

A review of eclampsia in Qatar: A twenty-year study (from January 1991-December 2009).

Objective: To determine the prevalence of eclampsia in Qatar, the associated maternal and perinatal outcomes for the period from January 1991 to December 2009 and to define any possible preventive measures to this potentially fatal complication. Methods: A retrospective case review was performed of all women with eclampsia admitted to the Women's Hospital and Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Al Khor Hospital for the period from January 1991 to December 2009. Details were collected by reviewing the files of the patients from the medical records. Data were analyzed by either X2 analysis or the unpaired student “t” test as appropriate. Results: During the period of the study there were 224,809 births. Seventy women developed eclampsia (0.31/1000 deliveries), 44.3% of them were antepartum, 31.4% postpartum and 24.3% intrapartum eclampsia. 34.3% of patients presented with fits, 38.5% presented with pre-eclampsia (PE) and 20% presented with severe pre eclampsia; 18.5% were mild PE and another 27.2% were admitted with different complaints. Symptoms of impending eclampsia were seen in 22.9% of the PE patients. Thirty percent had no antenatal care (ANC). Antihypertensive therapy was given to 72% of cases. Antiepileptic therapy was administered to 48% of cases and 58.5% received magnesium sulfate. Eclampsia was associated with increased rate of cesarean section (CS) (64.2%). There was one maternal death, and the rate of major maternal complications was 20%. The perinatal mortality rate was 12.8%. Conclusion: The incidence of eclampsia in Qatar is 0.31 per 1000 deliveries. Although rare, this condition is associated with increased maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality. However our result is lower than reported worldwide. Improvement of obstetric care by having high index of suspicion even with apparently low risk patients, using magnesium sulfate prophylaxis for all cases of severe pre-eclampsia, in addition to community based approach to improve community health, education and prenatal care, all can be effective measures for the decrease incidence of this fatal condition although eclampsia cannot be entirely prevented.

A shortened postpartum magnesium sulfate prophylaxis regime in pre-eclamptic women at low risk of eclampsia

ObjectiveTo determine whether magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) prophylaxis is needed for up to 24hours postpartum in all patients with pre-eclampsia. MethodsIn a randomized open clinical trial conducted in a tertiary health center in India between September 2008 and April 2010, 150 women with severe pre-eclampsia who received intrapartum MgSO4 and delivered at more than 20weeks gestation were enrolled. After 6hours postpartum, the participants were randomized to continue receiving (control group) or to discontinue (intervention group) MgSO4, and outcomes were compared. ResultsAdministration of MgSO4 had to be reinstituted for 1 woman in the intervention group. Under the current protocol in the institution, all 75 women in the intervention group would have received MgSO4 for 24hours postpartum. A significant reduction in time spent by the doctors (P<0.001) and nurses (P<0.001) was seen in the intervention group. The pain score in the intervention group was significantly less (P<0.001), and women in the intervention group were able to look after themselves better (P<0.001). ConclusionFor women at low risk for postpartum eclampsia, a shortened (6-hour) MgSO4 regime was as effective for seizure prophylaxis as the conventional 24-hour regime, with significant benefits in terms of cost and morbidity.

Intravenous magnesium sulphate and sotalol for prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery: a systematic review and economic evaluation

Objectives: To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of magnesium sulphate compared with sotalol, and to assess the clinical effectiveness of magnesium sulphate compared with placebo in the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who have had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Data sources: Major electronic databases were searched from December 2003 to May 2007. Review methods: Selected studies were assessed, subjected to data extraction using a standard template and quality assessment using published criteria. A simple short-term economic model was developed, informed by a systematic review of economic evaluations and populated with data from a review of costing/resource-use studies and other published studies. The cost-effectiveness of magnesium sulphate as prophylaxis was estimated for a set of base-case assumptions and the robustness of these results was assessed using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Results: Twenty-two papers met the inclusion criteria reporting 15 trials which all compared magnesium sulphate with placebo or control. They ranged in size from 15 to 176 patients randomised, and were conducted in Europe, the USA and Canada. The standard of reporting was generally poor, with details of key methodological attributes difficult to elucidate. No trials were identified that specifically aimed to compare magnesium sulphate with sotalol. Of 1070 patients in the pooled magnesium group, 230 (21%) developed postoperative AF, compared with 307 of 1031 (30%) patients in the placebo or (control) group. Meta-analysis using a fixed-effects model generated a pooled odds ratio (OR) that was significantly less than 1.0 [OR = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.79, test for overall effect p Conclusions: No RCTs were identified that specifically aimed to compare intravenous magnesium with sotalol as prophylaxis for AF in patients undergoing CABG. Intravenous magnesium, compared with placebo or control, is effective in preventing postoperative AF, as confirmed by a statistically significant intervention effect based on pooled analysis of 15 RCTs. It was also found that AF was less likely to occur when a longer duration of prophylaxis was used, and the earlier that prophylaxis is started; however, this finding was associated with two RCTs that had more favourable results than the other trials. No clear relationship between dose and AF was observed, although a lower constant dose rate was associated with the lowest odds of AF. Further research should investigate the relationship between dose, dose rate, duration of prophylaxis, timing of initiation of therapy and patient characteristics, such as degree of risk for AF. This will provide stronger evidence for the optimum delivery of intravenous magnesium in patients undergoing CABG. In the base-case analysis in the economic model, magnesium sulphate prophylaxis reduced the number of postoperative AF cases at a modest increase in cost. The results of the economic analysis are highly sensitive to variation in certain key parameters. Prophylaxis is less likely to be a cost-effective option if it requires changes in admission routines that result in longer preoperative stays than would be the case without prophylaxis.

Selective Magnesium Sulfate Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Eclampsia in Women with Gestational Hypertension

Selective Magnesium Sulfate Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Eclampsia in Women with Gestational Hypertension

Selective Magnesium Sulfate Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Eclampsia in Women With Gestational Hypertension

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas

Selective Magnesium Sulfate Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Eclampsia in Women With Gestational Hypertension

Selective Magnesium Sulfate Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Eclampsia in Women With Gestational Hypertension