Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate and Neurologic Outcome in Preterm Infants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review rates of neurologic outcomes reported in childhood for the preterm fetus exposed to antenatal magnesium sulfate. DATA SOURCES: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 3), relevant references from retrieved articles, and abstracts submitted to major congresses. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We sought all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antenatal magnesium sulfate with neurologic outcomes reported for the fetus. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Five eligible RCTs with 6,145 fetuses were identified; in four studies (4,446 fetuses) the primary intent was neuroprotection of t..