Loading Dose only versus Standard Dose Magnesium Sulfate Seizure Prophylaxis in Severe Pre-eclamptic Women

Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for prevention of seizures in the pre-eclamptic woman. There is no agreement in the published randomized trials regarding the optimal time to initiate magnesium sulfate, the dose to use (both loading and maintenance) as well as the duration of therapy. The objective of this study is to determine whether magnesium sulfate prophylaxis is needed for up to 24 hours postpartum in all patients with severe pre-eclampsia for the prevention of seizure.

It is a randomized controlled trial conducted on 60 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia randomized into standard dose and loading dose only regimen.

Out of 30 cases in each group 1 (3.3%) patient in standard regimen and 2 (6.7%) patients in loading dose only developed seizure. The occurrence of seizure is not significant statistically. In both regimens, there was no maternal mortality. Total of 3 patients needed MICU care and 12 patient developed maternal complications. MgSO4 toxicities were seen only in standard dose regimen that is in 17 (56.7%) of the patients. The median number of IM injections of MgSO4 received in standard dose regimen was 8±2.176. In standard dose regimen 73.3 percent baby were alive whereas in case of loading dose only regimen 93.3 percent of baby were alive after 48 hours of delivery.

Single dose of magnesium sulfate is equally effective as standard dose regimen in terms of seizure prophylaxis in severe pre eclamptic women, with added advantage of reduced maternal toxicity and better neonatal outcome.