Therapeutic use of magnesium sulfate in eclampsia management: about 122 cases

Abstract

Objective

To analyze clinical presentation, management, and outcome of eclampsia patients treated by magnesium sulfate. Patients and methods: Retrospective study conducted from January to December 2012 including patients with eclampsia admitted to the intensive care unit and treated with magnesium sulfate.

Results

A total of 582 patients were hospitalized during the study period, including 122 women (20.9 %) treated with magnesium sulfate for eclampsia. The mean age was 23.6 ± 6.3 years (16–42). In 90 patients (73.8 %), the treatment was administered during less than two days. Under this treatment, seizures stopped in all the patients within 48 hours. However, two patients (1.6 %) required boluses at the begining of the magnesium sulfate infusion due to the onset of seizures. A case of overdose was suspected, leading to the treatment discontinuation. Treatment monitoring was clinical in all the cases. Diazepam was used in the absence of magnesium sulfate in seven patients (5.4 %). Nicardipine was associated with magnesium sulfate in 92 cases (75.4 %).

Conclusion

The use of magnesium sulfate in eclampsia seems satisfactory; however, unavailability of laboratory testing may represent a drawback for optimal patient management.