Loading dose of magnesium sulphate versus standard regime for prophylaxis of pre-eclampsia

To determine the efficacy of single dose of magnesium sulphate versus the standard Pritchard regime in the management of pre-eclampsia.

Quasi-experimental study.

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from January 2004 to January 2006.

All women with severe pre-eclampsia and impending eclampsia were included in the study. Patients with pregnancy induced hypertension and mild to moderate pre-eclampsia were excluded. From the 100 women included in the study, after matching for age, parity and gestational age, 50 were given only bolus dose of magnesium sulphate and 50 were given the standard regime. They were observed for one week for the number of convulsions. Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test were used to analyze results.

There was no significant difference in the two groups in term of occurrence of seizures, one patient developed fit with Pritchard regimen. The rate of caesarean section was lower in group A, 12% versus 30% in group B (p=0.05). There was no significant difference in perinatal outcome in either group (82% live births in group A versus 72% amongst group B (p=0.2). Few side effects like vomiting, dizziness and irritation at the site of injection were observed when standard treatment was used. Single dose treatment was also found to be cost-effective costing Pak Rs. 45 (US $ 0.56) as compared to Pak Rs. 195 (US $ 2.4) in control group. No maternal death was observed in either group.

Having the equal effectiveness, ease of monitoring and cost-effectiveness, single loading dose of magnesium sulphate is preferable over the standard regime in the management of pre-eclampsia as a prophylactic measure for prevention of seizure.