Risks and Benefits of Magnesium Sulfate Tocolysis in Preterm Labor (PTL)

John P. Elliott; John C. Morrison; James A. Bofill; John P. Elliott; John C. Morrison; James A. Bofill

doi:10.3934/publichealth.2016.2.348

AIMS Public Health

2016, Volume 3, Issue 2: 348-356. doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2016.2.348

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Editorial

Risks and Benefits of Magnesium Sulfate Tocolysis in Preterm Labor (PTL)

1.
Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, 1111 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85005
2.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi, 39216

Received: 04 December 2015 Accepted: 23 May 2016 Published: 30 May 2016

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a drug safety communication on 05/30/2013 recommending “against prolonged use of magnesium sulfate to stop preterm labor (PTL) due to bone changes in exposed babies.” In September of 2013, The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists issued Committee Opinion No. 573 “ Magnesium Sulfate Use in Obstetrics” , which supports the short term use of MgSO₄ to prolong pregnancy (up to 48 hrs.) to allow for the administration of antenatal corticosteroids.” Are these pronouncements by respected organizations short sighted and will potentially result in more harm than good? The FDA safety communication focuses on bone demineralization (a few cases with fractures) with prolonged administration of MgSO₄ (beyond 5–7 days). It cites 18 case reports in the Adverse Event Reporting System with an average duration of magnesium exposure of 9.6 weeks (range 8–12 wks). Other epidemiologic studies showed transient changes in bone density which resolved in the short duration of follow up. Interestingly, the report fails to acknowledge the fact that these 18 fetuses were in danger of PTD and the pregnancy was prolonged by 9.6 weeks (e.g. extending 25 weeks to 34.6 wks), thus significantly reducing mortality and morbidity. Evidence does support the efficacy of MgSO₄ as a tocolytic medication. The decision to use magnesium, the dosage to administer, the duration of use, and alternative therapies are physician judgments. These decisions should be made based on a reasonable assessment of the risks of the clinical situation (PTL) and the treatments available versus the benefits of significantly prolonging pregnancy.
- magnesium sulfate; tocolysis; preterm labor; FDA
Citation: John P. Elliott, John C. Morrison, James A. Bofill. Risks and Benefits of Magnesium Sulfate Tocolysis in Preterm Labor (PTL)[J]. AIMS Public Health, 2016, 3(2): 348-356. doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2016.2.348

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Abstract

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a drug safety communication on 05/30/2013 recommending “against prolonged use of magnesium sulfate to stop preterm labor (PTL) due to bone changes in exposed babies.” In September of 2013, The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists issued Committee Opinion No. 573 “ Magnesium Sulfate Use in Obstetrics” , which supports the short term use of MgSO₄ to prolong pregnancy (up to 48 hrs.) to allow for the administration of antenatal corticosteroids.” Are these pronouncements by respected organizations short sighted and will potentially result in more harm than good? The FDA safety communication focuses on bone demineralization (a few cases with fractures) with prolonged administration of MgSO₄ (beyond 5–7 days). It cites 18 case reports in the Adverse Event Reporting System with an average duration of magnesium exposure of 9.6 weeks (range 8–12 wks). Other epidemiologic studies showed transient changes in bone density which resolved in the short duration of follow up. Interestingly, the report fails to acknowledge the fact that these 18 fetuses were in danger of PTD and the pregnancy was prolonged by 9.6 weeks (e.g. extending 25 weeks to 34.6 wks), thus significantly reducing mortality and morbidity. Evidence does support the efficacy of MgSO₄ as a tocolytic medication. The decision to use magnesium, the dosage to administer, the duration of use, and alternative therapies are physician judgments. These decisions should be made based on a reasonable assessment of the risks of the clinical situation (PTL) and the treatments available versus the benefits of significantly prolonging pregnancy.

References

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