Magnesium sulphate as an anticonvulsant in the management of eclampsia

To evaluate the use of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) as an anticonvulsant in the management of eclamptic patients.

A cross-sectional study.

This study was carried out at Sobhraj Maternity Hospital over a period of 2 years from January 1999 to December 2000.

Out of a total of 6050 pregnant women, 31 patients had eclampsia and were managed according to the set protocol. MgSO4 was given to eclamptic patients according to protocol who had no contraindication to this agent. Recurrence of convulsion, side effects of magnesium sulphate, maternal and fetal outcome were noted.

Over two years' study period, out of 6050 patients, 31 were admitted with eclampsia (0.51%). There was no maternal death. Out of 31 eclamptic patients only 5 patients were booked. Twenty-two patients (70.9%) were primigravida and 9 (29%) were multigravida. Seventeen (54%) were less than 20 years of age, 22 (79.9%) patients were admitted with antepartum and 6 (19.35%) had postpartum eclampsia. Magnesium sulphate was effective in 29 (93.54%) patients. Fifteen patients delivered by caesarean (C) section and 16 delivered vaginally. Twenty-nine (93.5%) babies were born alive. Two patients had recurrent convulsion i.e. 6.4%. Only one patient had respiratory depression after the use of magnesium sulphate.

Eclampsia was well-controlled by the use of MgSO4. There were only 2 patients who had recurrence of convulsion. Convulsions were controlled in 29 (93.54%) patients despite lack of monitoring facilities of serum magnesium level.