The New Indian Journal of OBGYN. 10(2):257-261

Effect of BMI on serum magnesium level in patient getting Pritchard regimen

Noor Islam Ahmed, Milan Kumar Taye, Long Teron, Mohsina Ahmed

ABSTRACT

Background: Maternal death due to severe preeclampsia and eclampsia has significantly reduced in developed countries due to revolutionary management by magnesium sulphate, but it’s still very high in developing countries including India. Many factors including BMI may have significant role in serum magnesium level in patients getting prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with Pritchard regimen. Objectives: To assess the effect of body mass index on serum magnesium level in patients getting magnesium sulphate therapy for seizure prophylaxis. Methods: The study was conducted over one year period from June 2021 to July 2022 in Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh among 160 severe preeclampsia and eclampsia patients who were getting Pritchard regimen. Serum magnesium was measured after loading dose, 3rd dose and 24 hours after last dose. Patients were divided in different groups as per WHO BMI categories. Results: After loading dose mean serum magnesium levels of patients with BMI < 18.5, 18.5-24.99, 25-29.99 and ≥30 were 3.91±1.09 mg/dl, 3.42± 0.97 mg/dl, 3.20±0.81 mg/dl and 2.77±0.67 mg/dl respectively. Although p- value (0.0616) was not significant but decrease in serum magnesium level was noted with increased BMI. After 3rd dose mean serum magnesium of patients with BMI < 18.5, 18.5-24.99, 25-29.99 and ≥30 were 6.76 ± 0.95 mg/dl, 6.34±1.15 mg/dl, 5.83±1.02 mg/dl and 5.58 ± 1.00 mg/dl respectively. Difference was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Convulsion rate was higher in obese patient (13.04%) compared to non-obese (2.91%). Conclusion: BMI has a significant role on serum magnesium level in pregnant women getting magnesium sulphate therapy for seizure prophylaxis.