The effect of magnesium sulfate in delaying delivery in premature rupture of membrane and its fetal complications

Using Tocolytics such as magnesium sulphate is one of the regular treatments to prevent preterm labor due to PPROM. However، there is a little clinical evidence about its beneficial effects on improving pregnancy outcomes، but however، in many centers it is used as first-line therapy. This study was performed with aim to investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate in delaying labor in women with PROM and prevention of its subsequent fetal complications. This two-blind clinical trial was conducted in the Mahdieh Medical Centre، Tehran between March 2010 and August 2012. Patients were allocated into two groups; intervention (magnesium sulphate، n=46) and control (placebo، n=46). Logistic regression analysis with Backward Stepwise method was used to evaluate the effect of independent variables on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The SPSS software version 20 was used for data analysis. Administration of magnesium sulfate has not been seen to associate with adverse effects in pregnancy outcomes. Also، the positive effect of this drug has been seen in relation to the increased duration of delay in delivery (P<0. 001) in women with premature rupture of membrane and reducing respiratory distress syndrome in their neonates (P<0. 002). Considering the affecting variables on active phase of labor، the logistic regression test showed that delay in the onset of the active phase of labor because of magnesium sulfate in the intervention group was 7. 2 times that of the control group (OR=7. 2، 95% CI: 2. 45-10. 1). Also، administration of this drug has no effect on the incidence of fetal mortality، sepsis، intraventricular hemorrhage، and need for NICU in the studied subjects. magnesium sulphate increased the delay duration in reaching active phase in mothers with premature rupture of membrane and no evidence of adverse foetal outcomes was not observed.