Effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate treatment on cerebral blood flow velocities in preterm neonates

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocities in preterm neonates.Study Design:In this prospective case-control study, we included 53 neonates born between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation. Twenty neonates were exposed to MgSO 4 antenatally and 33 were not. Serial daily Doppler flow measurements of middle cerebral artery (MCA) were performed.Result:Significantly increased MCA mean velocities were found in the MgSO 4 group. A progressive increase in serial Doppler measurements of MCA mean velocity from day 1 to day 5 of life was detected in both groups.Conclusion:There is significant increase in MCA mean velocities in preterm neonates receiving antenatal MgSO 4. This increment in CBF velocities might explain the protective role of MgSO 4 in ischemic events and hypoxic brain damage. © 2014 Nature America, Inc.