A randomized, controlled trial of magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Research suggests that fetal exposure to magnesium sulfate before preterm birth might reduce the risk of cerebral palsy.

Methods

In this multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned women at imminent risk for delivery between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation to receive magnesium sulfate, administered intravenously as a 6-g bolus followed by a constant infusion of 2 g per hour, or matching placebo. The primary outcome was the composite of stillbirth or infant death by 1 year of corrected age or moderate or severe cerebral palsy at or beyond 2 years of corrected age.

Results

A total of 2241 women underwent randomization. The baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. Follow-up was achieved for 95.6% of the children. The

SUBMITTER: Rouse DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2803083 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature