Neuroprotective Efficacy of Postnatal Magnesium Sulphate in Term Infants With Birth Asphyxia

Birth/Perinatal asphyxia in Pakistan continues to be a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. It is estimated that around 80 to 120,000 neonates either suffer from or die from birth/perinatal asphyxia every year. In addition to the large number of deaths a larger number of babies who survive suffer from neuro-developmental disorders adding to the health burden to the society and the nation.To date other than prevention (which requires global efforts to improve maternal education and health care) the therapies available to treat infants who have suffered from birth asphyxia have been either technically too complex or extremely expensive.

Inclusion Criteria:Term and near term infants (≥35 weeks gestation) with moderate to severe birth asphyxia Age at admission < 24 hoursExclusion Criteria:Babies who could not be given first injection before 24 hours of ageInfants with major congenital malformations, sepsis, congenital heart defects, Intracranial hemorrhage and surgical problemsBabies received intubated in emergencyBabies receiving therapeutic hypothermiaInfants with disorders of metabolismInfants in whom cause other than asphyxia is established as the reason for not initiating or sustaining breathing at birth.