Does Magnesium Sulfate Treat Eclamptic Seizures?

Contradictory statements are found in medical literature about magnesium sulfate as treatment for eclampsia. They vary from the drug of choice in North America for impending convulsions or frank eclampsia... standard by which all others must be assessed1through the use of intravenous magnesium is time honored but has been discouraged in recent years2to ... magnesium sulfate does not treat eclamptic convulsions.3As might be expected, same literature does not report controlled clinical trials evaluating magnesium sulfate treatment. However, empirical evidence4-7justifies a positive reaction to question Does magnesium sulfate treat eclamptic convulsions? Reports from large obstetric units describing patient management over many years favor use of magnesium sulfate. Some believe therapeutic response to magnesium sulfate, hydralazine, and early delivery is so self-evident as to provoke little controversy.6 Eclampsia is a disorder unique to pregnancy and puerperium. It is