A low dose ('Dhaka') magnesium sulphate regime for eclampsia: Clinical findings and serum magnesium levels

Background. Eclampsia remains a common cause of maternal death in Bangladesh. Early experience of magnesium sulphate use for eclampsia in Bangladesh was based on a lower dose regime, tailored for use in the smaller woman. Objectives. a) To determine the recurrent convulsion rate with the low dose 'Dhaka' magnesium sulphate regime (recognizing the limitations of sample size). b) To identify whether toxicity occurs with this regime. c) To measure serum level of magnesium with this regime. Methods. This prospective study included 65 eclamptic patients receiving lower dose magnesium sulphate therapy at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from 25 March 1998-15 June 1998. The loading dose of magnesium sulphate was 10 gm. Following this 2.5 gm was given intramuscularly 4 hourly, for 24 hours after administration of the first dose. Four blood samples were collected for serum magnesium levels. Patients were monitored hourly by observing their respiratory rate, knee jerks and urinary output. Findings were matched with s...