Acute effects of two different doses of magnesium sulphate in infants with birth asphyxia.
The effects of two different doses of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) were evaluated in a group of 15 full term infants with Apgar scores of < 6 at 10 minutes, studied within 12 hours of delivery. Seven infants received 400 mg/kg MgSO4 and eight received 250 mg/kg. After the larger dose, mean arterial pressure (MAP) fell by a mean of 6 mm Hg (13%) at one hour but was not significantly reduced thereafter. Respiratory depression lasted three to six hours. EEG readings and heart rate were not significantly different. Mean serum Mg2+ increased from 0.79 to 3.6 mmol/l at one hour. After 250 mg/kg MgSO4, MAP, EEG, tone and heart rate were unchanged. One infant developed transient respiratory depression. Mean serum Mg2+ rose from 0.71 to 2.42 mmol/l at one hour. MgSO4 (400 mg/kg) has an unacceptable risk of hypotension; 250 mg/kg MgSO4 was not associated with hypotension although respiratory depression can occur.
Levene
M
M
Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Leeds, General Infirmary.
Blennow
M
M
Whitelaw
A
A
Hankø
E
E
Fellman
V
V
Hartley
R
R
D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000209:etiology; D007040:Hypoventilation / Q000209:etiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D008274:Magnesium