title: Pregnancy associated with Friedreich ataxia.
abstract: The pregnancy of a woman with Friedreich ataxia was complicated by the onset of preterm labor and preeclampsia. Administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4.7H2O) in the usual intravenous dosage resulted in the dramatic development of profound motor weakness and respiratory distress. Magnesium acts to antagonize the action of acetylcholine at the motor end plate of the neuromuscular junction and may operate synergistically with underlying neuromuscular disorders. Therefore, the use of magnesium sulfate in patients with Friedreich ataxia and other similar neurodegenerative diseases is contraindicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Irwin Army Community Hospital, Ft. Riley, Kansas.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bruner
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Yeast
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D005621:Friedreich Ataxia; D006801:Humans; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D008278:Magnesium Sulfate