An effect of magnesium on neuromuscular function in parturients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of magnesium sulfate on neuromuscular transmission in parturients.


METHODS
Open-label, clinical study.


METHODS
Preeclamptic patients at a university-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
12 pregnant patients, ages 18 to 40 years, with preeclampsia or entering preterm labor.


METHODS
Patients were treated with magnesium sulfate. Train-of-four (TOF) recordings of the adductor pollicis muscle were obtained before and 30 minutes after the magnesium sulfate infusion.


RESULTS
Each contractile response in the control TOF showed an increase in the tension developed in response to supramaximal stimulation. The TOF responses after magnesium sulfate did not demonstrate this phenomenon, but rather developed fade. The T4/T1 ratios ranged from 0.72 to 0.92.


CONCLUSIONS
In this patient population, clinically relevant infusions of magnesium sulfate produced significant changes in neuromuscular transmission as manifested by loss of treppe phenomenon and diminished TOF response to ulnar nerve stimulation.
Ross
R M
RM
Anesthesiology Department, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA.
Baker
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012640:Seizures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015145:Tocolysis / Q000379:methods*
D008278:Magnesium Sulfate