Role of magnesium sulphate in preterm labour

Introduction: Magnesium sulphate has been the drug of choice for the prophylaxis of convulsions in women with preeclampsia for many years. The use of this drug for the treatment of preterm labour originated in the observation that it causes a decrease in frequency and intensity of contractions in preeclampsia women in labour. The present study is conducted to study the effectiveness of intravenous magnesium sulphate in arrest of preterm labour. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted among 50 patients admitted in labor wards of obstetrics and gynecology department. Study was conducted at Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Healthcare and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam. Study duration was from February 2016 to March 2017. Fifty patients with a diagnosis of preterm labor between 28 to 36 weeks period of gestation were included. A loading dose of intravenous magnesium sulfate 4 gm bolus over 20mins followed by 2g/hour infusion was administered until uterine quiescence was achieved. Results: The mean time taken for uterine quiescence was 74 mins after starting treatment. The magnesium sulfate dosage requirement for uterine quiescence was 1-2 gm/hour in 87.5% cases. Majority of the mothers experienced mild side effects but none were as serious as to discontinue the drug. Toxicity features were observed in 4% of cases, which need to discontinue the drug. Conclusion: Intravenous magnesium sulphate is effective in postponement of preterm labour at least for 48 hours. This is the minimum time considered sufficient to allow benefit if corticosteroids are administered to decrease the possibility of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. Thus magnesium sulphate plays a vital role in preterm labour.