Clinical Audit of Low Dose Magnesium Sulphate Regimen in Management of Severe Pre-Eclampsia in a Tertiary Hospital in Sagamu South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.  Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is the anticonvulsant of choice in the prevention of convulsion in severe pre-eclampsia. Low dose regimen was conceived due to the concern of toxicity and cost in our environment. The aim of the study is to compare the clinical outcome of this low dose regimen to pritchard regimen. This was a retrospective study conducted in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) among pregnant women managed for severe pre-eclampsia. A total of 72 and 68 women were managed for severe pre-eclampsia using pritchard regimen and low dose regimen respectively. The results show that there was no episode of convulsion and no clinical evidence of toxicity. There was no significant difference in APGAR scores, perinatal mortality and maternal complications. There was no maternal death. A randomized double blinded placebo control trial will be required to compare the efficacy.