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Pre-eclampsia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality for the
woman and her child. Eclampsia, the occurrence of seizures superimposed on
pre-eclampsia, is rare but associated with a far worse outcome than pre-eclampsia.
Anticonvulsants are used for women with pre-eclampsia in the belief that
they reduce the risk of eclampsia, and so improve outcome. Internationally
there is controversy about whether an anticonvulsant should be given to women
with pre-eclampsia. If one is used, however, magnesium sulphate seems to
be the best choice even though there is little reliable evidence about the
overall benefits and hazards.
The Magpie Trial is comparing magnesium sulphate with placebo for treatment
of women with pre-eclampsia. Primary measures of outcome are eclampsia and
death of the baby. Effects on other measures of serious maternal and neonatal
morbidity will also be assessed, as will the use of health service resources.
The estimated sample size is 14,000 women.
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