Comparison of Efficacy and Fetomaternal Outcome With Low Dose and Standard Pritchard’s Regimen of Magnesium Sulphate in Eclampsia

Abstract

BACKGROUND Eclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is a common obstetric emergency, which leads to significant maternal morbidity, perinatal morbidity and mortality. The Pritchard's regimen of magnesium sulphate remains as the standard regimen worldwide. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness, side effects and fetomaternal outcome using low-dose magnesium sulphate with the results of Pritchard regime. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comparative prospective study including 120 eclampsia patients designed into group I and group II treated with low-dose magnesium sulphate and Pritchard's regimen was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for a period of 18 months between January 2015 to June 2016. RESULTS In the present study, there was 100% control of seizures in both the groups. No recurrence of seizures were seen in 57 (95%) of cases in group II (low-dose regimen) and 3 (5%) cases showed recurrence, which were controlled by giving additional doses. In group II, loss of patellar reflexes was seen in 6 (10%), reduced urine output was seen in 3 (5%) of cases, mild PPH was observed in 3 (5%) cases and perinatal mortality in 18 (30%) cases, which were lower than that of group I (Pritchard's regimen). CONCLUSION Low-dose magnesium sulphate is effective in controlling convulsions in eclampsia. This regimen is highly suitable for use in Indian women who are known to have low body mass index.