A shortened versus standard matched postpartum magnesium sulphate regimen in the treatment of eclampsia: a randomised controlled trial.

Magnesium sulphate is currently the most ideal drug for the treatment of eclampsia but its use in Nigeria is still limited due its cost and clinicians inexperience with the drug. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a shortened postpartum course of magnesium sulphate is as effective as the standard Pritchard regimen in controlling fits in eclampsia . Between January and June 2011, 98 eclamptic mothers presenting at the labour ward of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital were randomised to receive either the standard Pritchard regimen of magnesium sulphate or a shortened postpartum course in which only two doses of intramuscular magnesium sulphate is given four hours apart. The maternal and fetal outcomes were compared. The primary outcome measure was recurrence of fits. The recurrence of fits and other maternal complications were similar in the two groups. The total dosage of magnesium sulphate in the shortened group was reduced by 40% in 66% of patients. The shortened postpartum course of magnesium sulphate is as effective as the standard Pritchard regimen in the management of eclampsia. (Afr J Reprod Health 2013; 17[3]: 131-136). Resume Le sulfate de magnesium est actuellement le medicament le plus ideal pour le traitement de l'eclampsie, mais son utilisation au Nigeria est encore limitee en raison de son cout et des cliniciens inexperience avec la drogue. Le but de cette etude etait de determiner si un cours du post-partum raccourcie de sulfate de magnesium est aussi efficace que le traitement standard de Pritchard dans le controle unique de l'eclampsie. Entre janvier et juin 2011 98 meres eclampsie qui se presentent a la salle de travail du Centre Hospitalier de l’Universite de Maiduguri ont ete randomises pour recevoir soit le traitement de Pritchard  standard de sulfate de magnesium ou d'un cours du post-partum raccourci dans lequel seulement deux doses de sulfate de magnesium par voie intramusculaire sont donnees quatre heures d'intervalle. Les resultats maternels et fœtaux ont ete compares. Le critere de jugement principal etait la recurrence de crises. La recurrence des crises et autres complications maternelles etaient similaires dans les deux groupes. La dose totale de sulfate de magnesium dans le groupe raccourci a ete reduite de 40% a 66% des patients. Le cours du post-partum abregee du sulfate de magnesium est aussi efficace que le traitement standard de Pritchard dans la gestion de l'eclampsie. (Afr J Reprod Health 2013; 17[3]: 131-136). Keywords: Eclampsia, postpartum magnesium sulphate, shortened regimen