Comparison of lytic cocktail and magnesium sulphate regimens in eclampsia: a retrospective analysis

Retrospective analysis of eclamptic patients was done during two time periods. In time period A (Jan. 1987-Dec. 1988), 79 patients of eclampsia were treated with lytic cocktail and in time period B (April 1992-April 1994), 104 eclamptic patients were treated with magnesium sulfate. The severity of disease, details of labour, delivery, incidence of persistent convulsions and the maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared. Incidence of persistent convulsions was significantly lower with magnesium sulphate (4.8%) compared to lytic cocktail (26.6%). No difference was observed in duration of labour and mode of delivery. Perinatal mortality was significantly lower in magnesium sulphate treated group. Maternal mortality was similar in both the groups (lytic cocktail-3.8%, Magnesium sulphate-2.9%).