comparative trial of magnesium sulphate and diazepam in the management of eclampsia

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to compare the use of diazepam and magnesium sulfate in the management of eclamptic cases. A total of 118 patients were randomly allocated to convulsion-control with either diazepam or magnesium sulfate. Vaginal delivery was planned if the cervix is ripe and delivery was expected within 4 hours, otherwise CS was performed after control of fits. Post delivery care took place in the Intensive Care Unit. The Apgar scores were less in the diazepam group than in the magnesium sulfate. There were two maternal deaths in the diazepam and no one in magnesium sulfate group. It was concluded that magnesium sulfate may be superior to diazepam in the management of eclampsia. An additional advantage is the absence of suppression of the maternal or fetal consciousness