Effect of magnesium sulfate given for neuroprotection before preterm birth - A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

CONTEXT: Prenatal magnesium sulfate may reduce the risk of cerebral palsy or death in very preterm infants. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate given for neuroprotection to women at risk of preterm birth before 30 weeks' gestation in preventing pediatric mortality and cerebral palsy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Randomized controlled trial at 16 tertiary hospitals in Australia and New Zealand with stratification by center and multiple pregnancy. A total of 1062 women with fetuses younger than 30 weeks' gestation for whom birth was planned or expected within 24 hours were enrolled from February 1996 to September 2000 with follow-up of surviving children at a corre..