MAGPIE Trial

Lancet - 2002

Multicentre RCT – 33 countries

Population

10,000 with pre-eclampsia

Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or more, and proteinuria of 1+ (30 mg/dL) or more
Had not given birth or < 24hrs post partum

Intervention

Magnesium sulfate
No MgSO4

Outcome

Primary outcomes were eclampsia and, for women randomised before delivery, death of
the baby.
Follow up was until discharge from hospital after delivery.
Analyses were by intention to treat.

Message

Magnesium sulfate halves the risk of eclampsia (seizures) and probably prevents
maternal death

No harmful effects to either mother or baby in the short term