Prophylactic magnesium sulphate in severe preeclampsia- Loading dose only vs. conventional 24 hour therapy of modified Pritchard's regime- A randomised trial.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of only the loading dose of modified Pritchard's regime of magnesium sulphate therapy in patients of severe preeclampsia. Method: Patients of severe preeclampsia were randomly allocated to study group (n=50) and control group(n=50) based on computer generated random numbers. Patients in the study group received only the loading dose of magnesium sulphate and patients in the control group received the loading dose of magnesium sulphate followed by the maintainance dose every fourth hourly. Patients in both the groups were monitored closely after the initiation of therapy. Chi-square test and Student's t test was used for data analysis. Results: There was one case of seizure in each group(2%).There were 6 cases of absent knee jerk and 4 cases of oliguria in those receiving the 24 hour magnesium sulphate while none of these complications were seen in those receiving only the loading dose (p = 0.012, p=0.022).Neonatal mortality was more in the control group(p=0.071) Conclusion: The loading dose of the modified Pritchard's regime alone may be effective in preventing seizures in patients of severe preeclampsia with the added advantage of reduced toxicity and better neonatal outcome.