Which therapy is used in the management of preeclampsia?

Which therapy is used in the management of preeclampsia?

• A. Insulin therapy
• B. Tocolysis with ritodrine
• C. Antibiotics for prophylaxis
• D. Magnesium sulfate

Answer: (D)

Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia. The danger in preeclampsia is progression to eclampsia, where a seizure can occur; magnesium acts as a central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant, reducing neuronal excitability and the likelihood of seizures. It’s given intravenously with a loading dose to rapidly reach therapeutic levels, then a maintenance infusion guided by protocol and the clinical course. Continuous monitoring is essential: watch deep tendon reflexes, respiratory rate, and urine output, and check magnesium levels if available. Signs of toxicity include diminished reflexes, slowed respiration, and mental status changes; if toxicity occurs, stop the infusion and administer calcium gluconate as an antidote. Delivery is the definitive treatment for preeclampsia, but magnesium sulfate is the standard therapy to prevent maternal seizures during management. Other therapies like insulin, tocolysis, or antibiotics aren’t used for seizure prevention in this scenario.

Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia. The danger in preeclampsia is progression to eclampsia, where a seizure can occur; magnesium acts as a central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant, reducing neuronal excitability and the likelihood of seizures. It’s given intravenously with a loading dose to rapidly reach therapeutic levels, then a maintenance infusion guided by protocol and the clinical course. Continuous monitoring is essential: watch deep tendon reflexes, respiratory rate, and urine output, and check magnesium levels if available. Signs of toxicity include diminished reflexes, slowed respiration, and mental status changes; if toxicity occurs, stop the infusion and administer calcium gluconate as an antidote. Delivery is the definitive treatment for preeclampsia, but magnesium sulfate is the standard therapy to prevent maternal seizures during management. Other therapies like insulin, tocolysis, or antibiotics aren’t used for seizure prevention in this scenario.