Evolution of magnesium sulphate for eclampsia

Abstract

Eclampsia with its precursor preeclampsia is a condition that is rapidly taking the fore front in many countries as the leading cause of adverse maternal outcome, because of gains accruing from ability to curb, the better–understood obstetric haemorrhage. The exact mechanism by which preeclampsia leads to eclampsia remains unclear resulting in difficulty in prediction of individuals with preeclampsia who would develop eclampsia. Magnesium sulphate has been a recognised remedy since the early twentieth century, becoming scientifically proven and increasingly popular in the last two decades. However, the exact mechanism of action of magnesium sulphate in alleviating and preventing seizures still remains elusive and fits have been observed to occur during magnesium sulphate therapy. Better understanding of magnesium homeostasis in pregnancy and improved knowledge of the effects of magnesium sulphate may help unravel the mystery behind the cause and course of eclampsia.