The Role of Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) In Fetal Neuroprotection

Background: Preterm birth is the major cause of perinatal mortality both in developed and developing countries. The prevalence of preterm birth is increasing every year and it is nearly more than 15 million preterm births worldwide according to WHO, approximately one million may die and many more may suffer from neurodevelopmental impairment. ACTOMgSO4, MagNET, PREMAG, BEAM were the large studies of MgSO4 for neuroprotection in prematurity previously. Antenatal MgSO4 can prevent neonatal seizures and neonatal deaths in preterms. Aims and Objective of the study: To evaluate the use of antenatal Mgso4 for neur protection of preterminfants. Material and Methods: This study titled “The Role Of Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) In Fetal Neuroprotection” was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and gynecology in ASRAM Medical College. A total 20 pregnant women between 28-32 weeks gestation presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain associated with cervical dilatation (cervical dilatation > 4cm) at risk of imminent preterm delivery(delivery definitely planned within 24 hours) were given Mgso4 4gm iv for about 20-30 min followed by maintenance dose of 1gm/hr for a period of 24 hrs before delivery or up to delivery and all the preterm neonates born to the 20 women were followed up for one year for neonatal seizures, deaths and gross motor dysfunction. Results: Antenatal MGSO4 has better role when given at 28-32 weeks of gestation as only 2 neonates (10% of total preterms) born at 32-34 weeks gestation developed neonatal seizures. Conclusion: When antenatal MgSO4 administered at an appropriate dose with proper monitoring, there is no evidence of harm to the fetus, neonate or mother and it helps in neuroprotection of the preterms