Antenatal magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy.

Authors :: Keir AK
Shepherd E
McIntyre S
Rumbold A
Groves C
Crowther C
Callander EJ
Source :: Archives of disease in childhood. Fetal and neonatal edition [Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed] 2022 Mar; Vol. 107 (2), pp. 225-227. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jul 07.
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: Magnesium sulfate given to women before birth at <30 weeks' gestation reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in their children. Our study aimed to assess the impact of a local quality improvement programme, primarily using plan-do-study-act cycles, to increase the use of antenatal magnesium sulfate. After implementing our quality improvement programme, an average of 86% of babies delivered at <30 weeks' gestation were exposed to antenatal magnesium sulfate compared with a historical baseline rate of 63%. Our study strengthens the case for embedding quality improvement programmes in maternal perinatal care to reduce the impact of cerebral palsy on families and society.<br />Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.<br /> (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)