Loading dose versus standard regimen of magnesium sulphate in eclampsia--a randomized trial

Abstract

Eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity around the world. Magnesium sulphate is used as primary agent in the treatment of seizure in eclampsia. Its dosage and frequent painful injection makes it a difficult drug for the patient. This study was carried out in one of the biggest referral centre of Nepal to study the suitability of different dosage schedule for our patient. A randomized controlled trial was carried out in the Obstetric Unit of BP Koirala Institute of Health Science (BPKIHS) over the span of 1.5 years. A total of 80 eclamptic women were randomized to receive either standard Pritchard Regimen (loading and maintenance) or Loading dose of magnesium sulphate. Both groups were evaluated for recurrence of seizures and outcomes. There were no recurrent seizures in standard regimen group. There were 2 patients with recurrent seizure in loading dose group. (p=0.184) Loading dose of magnesium sulphate is a good alternative for standard Pritchard regimen. It avoids multiple painful injections of magnesium Sulphate.