Effect of magnesium sulfate seizure prophylaxis on fetal myocardial
performance index in severe preeclampsia and eclampsia
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of
magnesium sulfate treatment on fetal cardiac function during seizure
prophylaxis of pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and
eclampsia. Fetal cardiac function was evaluated with the modified
myocardial performance index (mod-MPI) before and after prophylaxis.
Methods: A total of 50 pregnant women diagnosed with severe
preeclampsia or eclampsia were involved. The characteristics of the
participants, medical and obstetric history, ultrasound and laboratory
findings were recorded. Fetal mod-MPI was obtained before and after
magnesium treatment. Data were analyzed with appropriate statistical
tests and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical
significance . Results: The mean maternal and
gestational ages of pregnant women were 31.7 ± 5.9 and 32.4 ± 4.5. Mean
mod-MPI before and after prophylaxis were 0.41 ± 0.18 and 0.49 ± 0.09,
respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was a
significant increase in fetal mod-MPI after magnesium prophylaxis was
given to severe preeclampctic/eclamptic women. The higher the mod-MPI,
the worse the fetal cardiac function. This might have been the result of
magnesium leading to an increased isovolumetric relaxation time.
Key words: Preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate, myocardial
performance index, eclampsia, fetus