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In the U.S., preterm birth before 34 weeks' gestation accounts for 25% of cerebral palsy (CP) cases. Magnesium sulfate given maternally is effective in preventing CP (JW Womens Health Sep 18 2008). In a review and meta-analysis, researchers assessed safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of preventive magnesium sulfate that was given to women at risk for preterm labor before 34 weeks. Primary outcomes were CP incidence and total pediatric mortality (i.e., fetal death and mortality during the first 2 corrected postnatal years); economic evaluation was also performed.
Six trials that involved a total of 4796 women and 5357 infants met the inclusion criteria. Risk for giving birth to an infant with diagnosed CP was significantly lower in wome…