Comparison of Loading Dose Magnesium Sulphate With Prichard Regimen in the Management of Severe Preeclampsia and Eclampsia.

Preeclampsia/eclampsia is part of a spectrum of multi-systemic pregnancy disorder that contributes substantially to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low resource setting. This study was done in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria. To compare the efficacy of loading dose of magnesium sulphate with that of the Pritchard regimen in the prevention of eclampsia in severe preeclampsia and recurrent fits in eclampsia in a low resource setting. A prospective, single blinded randomized controlled study of loading dose versus Pritchard regimens of MgSO4 at the Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. One hundred and twenty patients were recruited 60 to each arm using computer-generated numbers. Sociodemographic characteristics, efficacy and adverse effects of the drug on the mother and baby were noted.