Influence of Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate Exposure on Perinatal Outcomes in VLBW Infants with Maternal Preeclampsia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is a commonly used drug for eclampsia prophylaxis and the first choice tocolytic agent for preterm labor. Recently it has been reported to have a fetal neuroprotective effect. This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of antenatal magnesium sulfate exposure on perinatal outcomes in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) with maternal preeclampsia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of VLBWIs (n=81) with maternal preeclampsia (June 2005 through June 2012), who had been admitted to the NICU at Ewha Womans University Mok Dong Hospital. Clinical characteristics and neonatal complications were analyzed according to the antenatal exposure to MgSO4. Antenatal MgSO4 exposure was the only medication that had been administered up to the period of delivery. RESULTS: Among 81 neonates, 20 neonates were exposed to antenatal MgSO4. Mean gestational age was low in MgSO4 exposed group [29.5+/-2.8 vs. 31.6+/-2.3 weeks (P=0.02)]. The incidence of significant patent ductus arteriosus (S-PDA) was higher in MgSO4 exposed group after adjustment by gestational age (P=0.02). There were no differences between the two groups with regard to rates of respiratory distress syndrome, use of ventilator, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and mortality. CONCLUSION: Antenatal MgSO4 exposure was associated with a higher risk of significant PDA in VLBWIs with maternal preeclampsia.