Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate Infusion for Neuroprotection of Preterm Babies

Abstract

The incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) before the age of 2 years is highest among the preterm babies. Neuroprotection in preterm babies is challenging. There are various proposed mechanisms but antenatal magnesium sulphate (MgSo4 ) infusion for 4 to 24 hours predelivery has shown to reduce the incidence of CP at the cost of bearable minor maternal and fetal side-effects. The practice of antepartum infusion of MgSo4 is adopted by various guidelines and societies, including World Health Organization (WHO).