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

Background: 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. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of loading dose of magnesium sulphate with that of the Pritchard regimen in the prevention of eclampsia in patients with severe preeclampsia and recurrent fits in eclampsia in a low resource setting like ours. Methods: This was a prospective, single blinded randomized controlled study of loading dose versus Pritchard regimens of MgSO4 at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. One hundred and twenty patients were recruited 60 to each arm using computer-generated numbers. Social demographic characteristics, efficacy and adverse effects of the drug on the mother and baby were noted. Data were collated, tabulated and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software (version 22, Chicago II, USA)