In defense of magnesium sulfate.
Magnesium sulfate has been used by obstetricians for more than 25 years to treat preterm labor. Magnesium sulfate is effective in delaying delivery for at least 48 hours in patients with preterm labor when used in higher dosages. There do not seem to be any harmful effects of the drug on the fetus, and indeed there is a neuroprotective effect in reducing the incidence of cerebral palsy in premature newborns weighing less than 1,500 g.
Elliott
John P
JP
From the Obstetrix/Pediatrix Medical Group, Sunrise, Florida; Divivsion of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
Lewis
David F
DF
Morrison
John C
JC
Garite
Thomas J
TJ
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate