The MAGPIE trial established the role of magnesium sulfate in eclampsia prevention. Which conclusion from this landmark RCT was most significant?

• A Magnesium halved the risk of eclampsia in women with pre-eclampsia ✓
• B Magnesium was superior to phenytoin in treating established eclampsia
• C Magnesium reduced perinatal mortality by 30% in pre-eclampsia
• D Magnesium prevented placental abruption in severe pre-eclampsia

Explanation

The MAGPIE trial (2002) enrolled >10,000 women with pre-eclampsia and demonstrated that magnesium sulfate halved the risk of eclampsia (RR 0.58) compared to placebo, with no clear improvement in maternal or neonatal mortality. This confirmed magnesium's role in eclampsia prophylaxis. The Collaborative Eclampsia Trial (not MAGPIE) showed magnesium superiority over diazepam and phenytoin in treating established eclampsia.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.