A randomised controlled trial of intravenous magnesium sulphate versus placebo in the management of women with severe pre-eclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the administration of prophylactic intravenous magnesium sulphate reduces the occurrence of eclampsia in women with severe pre-eclampsia.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
A tertiary referral obstetric unit.


METHODS
Eight hundred and twenty-two women with severe pre-eclampsia requiring termination of pregnancy by induction of labour or caesarean section.


METHODS
The women were randomised to receive either placebo (saline) or magnesium sulphate intravenously. The investigators were blinded to the contents of the pre-mixed solutions.


METHODS
The occurrence of eclampsia in the two groups.


RESULTS
The data of 699 women were evaluated. Fourteen were withdrawn after randomisation. The overall incidence of eclampsia was 1.8%. Of 345 women who received magnesium sulphate, one developed eclampsia (0.3%); in the placebo group, 11/340 women (3.2%) developed eclampsia (relative risk 0.09; 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.69; P = 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of intravenous magnesium sulphate in the management of women with severe pre-eclampsia significantly reduced the development of eclampsia.
Coetzee
E J
EJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa.
Dommisse
J
J
Anthony
J
J
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007751:Labor, Induced; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate