Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate Does Not Affect School-Age Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants

This therapy was safe but did not produce meaningful improvements in neurodevelopmental outcomes later in childhood.

Very preterm babies are at high risk for death or neurodevelopmental impairment, including motor disorders such as cerebral palsy. Antenatal magnesium sulfate has been shown to reduce rates of cerebral palsy in early childhood, but outcomes at school age are not yet known.

The current study was one of five randomized trials that tested the effect of antenatal magnesium sulfate on mortality and neurodevelopmental morbidity after very preterm birth. Between 1996 and 2000, 1062 women in Australia and New Zealand were randomized to receive intravenous magnesium sulfate or placebo prior to preterm birth at gestational age <30 weeks. Previously published results at 2 years showed similar rates of cerebral palsy in the magnesium and placebo groups …

Reviewing Author

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate Does Not Affect School-Age Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants

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Reviewing Author