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Original Research | Gynaecology | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 2502 - 2506 | India
Role of Magnesium Sulphate as a Neuroprotective Agent on Neonatal Outcome in Preterm Deliveries
Abstract: Background: Preterm birth is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, mainly due to complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, sepsis, feeding difficulty and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) has been suggested as a low-cost and effective fetal neuroprotective agent in women at risk of preterm delivery. Aim: To assess the role of magnesium sulphate as a neuroprotective agent on neonatal outcome in preterm deliveries. Methods: This hospital-based comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan. A total of 92 pregnant women with preterm labour between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation were included and divided into two groups: MgSO4 group and non-MgSO4 group, with 46 women in each group. Women in the MgSO4 group received 4 g intravenous loading dose followed by 1 g/hour infusion for 24 hours or until delivery. Neonatal outcomes were assessed in terms of APGAR score, rooting and suckling reflex, Moro?s reflex, fetal outcome, neonatal morbidity, NICU admission, oxygen requirement and cranial ultrasound findings. Maternal side effects were also recorded. Results: Both groups were comparable with respect to age, residence, booking status, education, gravidity, socioeconomic status, previous preterm birth, gestational age, mode of delivery and birth weight. Mean APGAR score was significantly higher in the MgSO4 group at 1 minute (7.1±1.8 vs 5.1±1.1) and 5 minutes (8.2±1.5 vs 5.9±1.8). Complete rooting and suckling reflex was higher in the MgSO4 group (69.57% vs 43.48%), and complete Moro?s reflex was also better (47.83% vs 26.09%). NICU admission was lower in the MgSO4 group (34.78% vs 56.52%). Cranial USG showed no IVH or PVL in the MgSO4 group, while controls showed IVH in 4.35% and PVL in 6.52%. Conclusion: Antenatal magnesium sulphate appears to improve early neonatal neurological outcome and reduce NICU admission in preterm deliveries, with minimal maternal side effects.
Keywords: Preterm delivery, Magnesium sulphate, Neuroprotection, Neonatal outcome, APGAR score, NICU admission, Intraventricular haemorrhage, Periventricular leukomalacia, Preterm neonate
How to Cite?: Dr. Alka, Dr. Swati Kochar, Dr. Ashmita Nayak, Dr. Bhawna Charan, "Role of Magnesium Sulphate as a Neuroprotective Agent on Neonatal Outcome in Preterm Deliveries", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2502-2506, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26720191820, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26720191820