[Functional reserve of umbilico-placental circulation]

The authors present the results of the action of 10% magnesium sulphate on the umbilico-placental circulation. They found that intravenous administration of magnesium sulphate reduces the vascular resistance in the umbilico-placental circulation and improves its parameters when a functional disorder is involved. The maximum effect was recorded during the 10th minute following administration. In case of absolute reduction of the placental circulation or in case of an obstruction in the umbilical artery the above parameters did not improve. Magnesium sulphate administration may serve as a loading test of the functional reserve of the umbilico-placental circulation.