In the Magpie Trial (2002), magnesium sulfate was compared to placebo in women with pre-eclampsia. What was the primary finding regarding eclampsia prevention?

• A Magnesium had no benefit over placebo in preventing seizures
• B Magnesium reduced maternal mortality by 50%
• C Magnesium reduced the rate of preterm birth significantly
• D Magnesium reduced the risk of eclampsia by approximately 58% ✓

Explanation

The Magpie Trial (2002), a large multicenter RCT, found that magnesium sulfate reduced the risk of eclampsia by approximately 58% compared to placebo (relative risk 0.42) in women with pre-eclampsia. It also found a non-significant trend toward reduced maternal mortality. It did not significantly affect preterm birth rates.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.