ABSTRACT
Background: Eclampsia is one of the most common causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in India. Amongst the principles of management of eclampsia, the first is the control of convulsions. Magnesium sulphate is the main stay of treatment in eclampsia and imminent eclampsia. Average weight of Indian women is less than the western women due to which lower dose of magnesium sulphate can be used. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of low dose magnesium sulphate regimen with standard Pritchard regimen in control of eclampsia.Methods: The study was carried out at emergency labour room, GMERS Sola Civil Hospital Ahmedabad. 120 patients of eclampsia were divided randomly into study group (n=60) receiving low dose MgSO4 and control group (n=60) receiving Pritchard regimen. The recurrence of convulsion, toxicity of MgSO4 and maternal and fetal outcome was studied.Results: It was observed that with low dose MgSO4 regime, convulsions were controlled in 91.7% of the cases. With standard Pritchard’s regime convulsions were controlled in 95% of patients. The maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity were comparable in both groups.Conclusions: Low dose magnesium sulphate therapy is as effective as Pritchard’s regime for controlling convulsions in eclampsia and can be safely given in Indian women.
ABSTRACT
Background: Eclampsia is defined as the onset of convulsions or coma during pregnancy or in post-partum period in a patient who has signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. It is life threatening emergency that continues to be a major cause of serious maternal morbidity and mortality also along with high perinatal mortality and morbidity. The present study undertaken to determine the efficacy of low dose magnesium sulphate regime and Pritchard’s regime in controlling eclamptic convulsion and prevention of recurrence of convulsion.Methods: Out of total 60 patients enrolled in the study; 30 were given low dose magnesium sulphate regime and remaining 30 with Pritchard’s regime. Selection of patients was done with simple random sampling. Relevant history was obtained from the patient, if conscious, or from the relatives. Through clinical examination was done and blood samples were collected for investigations after securing IV line.Results: There was insignificant difference regarding type of eclampsia in both groups. Recurrence of convulsion in Pritchard’s regime group was 6.67% and in Low dose regime group found to be 10% but this was statistically insignificant. Total dose of magnesium sulphate required in Low dose regime group was less than that required for Pritchard’s regime.Conclusions: Low dose magnesium sulphate Regime proved equally effective as that of Pritchard’s regime in control of convulsion in spite of less amount of drug and comparatively low serum magnesium levels and hence there is hardly any fear of intoxicator.