Oral magnesium and the prevention of preterm labor in a high-risk group of patients.
OBJECTIVE
The null hypothesis of this study is that treatment with oral magnesium gluconate 1 gm four times daily will not decrease the rate of preterm labor and delivery in a high-risk group of pregnant women.


METHODS
Fifty-four women at risk for preterm delivery were selected randomly to receive magnesium gluconate 1 gm orally four times daily or placebo. These women were monitored prospectively for signs and symptoms of preterm labor. A subgroup of 31 women also received a home uterine activity monitor. The serum magnesium level was measured initially and again 2 weeks after study enrollment. The data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Preterm labor developed in 15 women in the placebo group and in 16 women in the magnesium group. There were no differences in birth weight or gestational age at delivery. The mean increase in serum magnesium level while the patients were taking magnesium gluconate was 0.10 mg/dl (p = not significant). Five women did not have an increase in serum magnesium level and preterm labor developed in all of them.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnesium gluconate in a dose of 1 gm four times daily is not effective for preventing preterm delivery in a high-risk group of patients.
Martin
R W
RW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505.
Perry
K G
KG
Hess
L W
LW
Martin
J N
JN
Morrison
J C
JC
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D005942:Gluconates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014590:Uterine Contraction
D005942:Gluconates; D008274:Magnesium; C030691:gluconic acid