Giving magnesium sulfate infusion to women experiencing early labor can significantly reduce their risk of delivering a baby with cerebral palsy, a recent review found. Cerebral palsy risks were reduced by 29 percent, the authors found. Magnesium sulfate, which has the same chemical composition as Epsom salts, retails at less than $20 in the United States for intravenous infusions.
Babies born preterm are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy, an incurable motor disability that affects movements, postures, and in some cases, cognition and behavior. Magnesium sulfate is often used to suppress premature labor and delay preterm birth. Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks, puts newborns at risk for cerebral palsy, which can occur from brain injuries during or shortly after birth.
If a child’s brain is deprived of oxygen during the delivery, it can lead to irreversible damage and lifelong disabilities. Researchers of the review analyzed six clinical trials involving nearly 6,000 women and more than 6,700 babies born prematurely. The authors found that while magnesium sulfate effectively reduces brain injuries, it did not significantly decrease deaths in the short term.
The treatment did not increase the risk of serious complications for mothers, such as cardiac arrest, but some women experienced side effects that led to stopping the treatment. High blood pressure Rapid heartbeat Nausea and vomiting Dizziness “We need further research to explore other ques.