A Study of Role of Prophylactic Magnesium Sulphate in Severe Preeclampsia in Preventing Eclampsia

AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of present study is to determine the role of Prophylactic Magnesium Sulphate in severe pre eclampsia in preventing eclampsia. The goal is to prevent seizures and its complications on mother and fetus by early detection and intervention before onset of imminent signs and symptoms of eclampsia MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study was undertaken from September 2010 to September 2012 in department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Gandhi hospital, Secunderabad which is a teaching hospital and a tertiary referral centre as well. The study is a cross sectional interventional type of study. RESULTS The complications of severe preeclampsia like eclampsia, pulmonary oedema and renal failure occurred more in group not given magnesium sulphate (2 %, 1 %, 1 % given vs 11 %, 3 %, 4 % not given) respectively and incidence of abruption and DIC in is almost similar in both groups. (4 % and 1 % Vs 3 %and 1 %). And with no maternal mortality in both groups The magnesium sulphate administered group showed more associated side effects when compared to other group. The symptoms of toxicity like loss of deep tendon reflexes, oliguria and other side effects like nausea, head ache, flushing and vomiting had higher incidence in magnesium sulphate administered group. CONCLUSION The study has revealed that women with severe preeclampsia, when given prophylactic magnesium sulphate before onset of imminent signs, had less chances of landing up in eclampsia and its complications, compared to the one not given. Hence administration of prophylactic magnesium sulphate to prevent eclampsia, in all cases of severe preeclampsia, even before the onset of imminent signs is justified.