Low-dose intravenous magnesium sulfate: Efficacy and safety in eclamptic Indian women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low dose intravenous magnesium sulfate against the conventional Pritchard’s regimen in cases of eclampsia. Materials and methods: A total of 60 eclamptic cases attending the labor room were randomly allocated to receive low dose intravenous magnesium sulfate, i.e., 4 g intravenous bolus dose followed by a 0.8 g per hour maintenance dose to be continued up to 24 hours after delivery or the last fit, whichever is later, or conventional Pritchard’s regimen. The two groups were compared for efficacy and safety. Results: Low-dose regimen was found to have a statistically significant lower incidence of side-effects and complications. Failure of therapy was seen in more number of cases with low dose because of the lower serum magnesium levels. Conclusion: Low-dose regimen is a good option for lean Indian women especially at the peripheral centers where intensive serum magnesium level monitoring is not practically feasible because of reduced risk of toxicity.