The MAGPIE trial established the role of magnesium sulfate in pre-eclampsia. The trial demonstrated that magnesium sulfate reduced eclampsia risk by approximately what percentage compared to placebo, and what was the Number Needed to Treat (NNT) to prevent one case of eclampsia?
- A 25% reduction; NNT = 50
- B 35% reduction; NNT = 63
- C 58% reduction; NNT = 91 ✓
- D 72% reduction; NNT = 29
Correct answer: C. 58% reduction; NNT = 91
Explanation
The MAGPIE trial (2002) showed magnesium sulfate reduced the risk of eclampsia by 58% compared to placebo (1.9% vs 0.8% absolute risk in high-income countries), with an NNT of approximately 91 women needing treatment to prevent one seizure. This large RCT enrolled over 10,000 women and definitively established magnesium sulfate as the standard of care for seizure prophylaxis in severe pre-eclampsia. The COLLABORATE trial is an ongoing successor examining extended therapy.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.