The MAGPIE trial established the role of magnesium sulphate in preeclampsia. Which conclusion was its primary finding?

• A Magnesium sulphate reduces maternal mortality compared to diazepam
• B Magnesium sulphate is superior to phenytoin for eclampsia treatment
• C Magnesium sulphate reduces perinatal mortality in preeclamptic women
• D Magnesium sulphate halves the risk of eclampsia in women with preeclampsia ✓

Explanation

The MAGPIE trial (2002, Lancet) randomised over 10,000 women with preeclampsia to magnesium sulphate vs placebo and demonstrated that magnesium sulphate halved the risk of eclampsia (relative risk 0.58). It did not primarily compare with diazepam (that was the Collaborative Eclampsia Trial) or phenytoin, and it did not show a statistically significant reduction in perinatal mortality.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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