Comparative analysis of magnesium sulfate and atosiban in fetal neuroprotection during high-risk pregnancies.

Abstract

Preterm births could increase the risk of neonatal conditions like cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental delays. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium sulfate and atosiban in providing neuroprotection to preterm infants. A clinical trial was conducted between 2020 and 2024, involving 102 high-risk pregnant women at multiple tertiary clinics in China. We studied the neonatal neurodevelopmental delay at 6 months and 12 months whilst also focusing on factors such as maternal side effects, gestational age, mode of delivery, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission rates. Unlike magnesium sulfate, Atosiban could reduce the fetus' breathing problems that can, in turn, lead to baby brain protection. It also has fewer maternal side effects, such as nausea and hypertension (p = 0.03). Magnesium sulfate had comparably higher risks of maternal and fetal complications, 49.02% and 68.63% respectively. This study's results suggest that while atosiban is not a commonly used intervention, it is a promising agent for fetal neuroprotection. It is also observed that considering maternal safety, it has fewer side effects. Future larger population studies should be carried out to corroborate the results for higher efficient and safer intervention for fetal neuroprotection.