Magnesium for fetal neuroprotection

Available evidence now suggests that magnesium sulfate administered to mothers prior to early preterm delivery reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in surviving neonates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists along with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine state that physicians who choose to administer magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection should do so in accordance with one of the larger randomized trials. Due to the heterogeneity of the methods, many clinicians may find it difficult to proceed with a therapeutic protocol that adheres to the available literature. Here, we present one reasonable approach that identifies the specific patients who qualify for magnesium sulfate therapy, and it outlines a treatment algorithm while addressing retreatment and concomitant tocolysis.