'Padhar regime' - a low-dose magnesium sulphate treatment for eclampsia

To determine the recurrent convulsion rate using low-dose magnesium sulphate regime in eclampsia and to identify toxicity and complications with clinical parameters.

Prospective study with two different magnesium sulphate regimes in two slightly clinically different subgroups. Group A that came directly to our hospital and group B who had already received an injection of diazepam or Phenergan at the referring hospital. Group A received 10 g and group B 6 g loading dose of magnesium sulphate. Both groups received 4 g maintenance dose every 4 h.

Out of 95 eclamptic patients, only one woman in group B had recurrent convulsion. All women maintained normal respiratory rates. 39 (41.1%) women had absent knee jerks on at least one occasion when the maintenance dose was omitted. Urinary output was more than 30 ml/h in 92 (96.8%) women. In 5 women, maintenance dose had to be augmented to 5 g as reflexes were exaggerated.

The low-dose regime appears to control and prevent convulsions effectively in Indian women. Clinical monitoring appears to be sufficient. We hope to be able to reassure health professionals at primary and secondary level hospitals about the safety of magnesium.