Magnesium for preventing preterm birth after threatened preterm labour.
BACKGROUND
Magnesium therapy is sometimes continued after an episode of threatened preterm labour in an attempt to prevent the onset of further preterm contractions.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of magnesium maintenance therapy on preventing preterm birth after threatened preterm labour.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trials of magnesium therapy given to women after threatened preterm labour.


METHODS
Trial quality assessment and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers.


RESULTS
Two trials were included. Both were of poor quality and neither study included any long-term follow up of infants. The incidence of preterm birth or perinatal mortality was not reduced by magnesium maintenance therapy compared to alternative therapy or no treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to show that magnesium maintenance therapy is effective in preventing preterm birth after an episode of threatened preterm labour.
Crowther
C A
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Women's and Children's Hospital, King William Road, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, SA 5006. ccrowthe@medicine.adelaide.edu.au
Moore
V
V
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015145:Tocolysis
D008274:Magnesium