The effects of magnesium sulfate on maternal and fetal platelet aggregation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate platelet function in mothers and fetuses/neonates exposed to magnesium sulfate intrapartum. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of mothers and fetuses/neonates exposed to magnesium sulfate intrapartum compared to mothers and fetuses/neonates not exposed. Platelet aggregometry was performed in duplicate on specimens from subjects using two different agonists, ADP and collagen, on a whole blood impedance aggregometer. RESULTS: Specimens were processed from 11 mothers and 10 fetuses/neonates exposed to magnesium and 12 mothers and fetuses/neonates, not exposed. There was no difference in platelet aggregation between the specimens from the mothers who were exposed and mothers not exposed. In the specimens from the fetuses/neonates, there was no difference using collagen as an agonist, but using ADP as an agonist, there was a remarkable difference - 0.0 ohms in the exposed group vs. 3.0 ohms in the unexposed group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In-utero magnesium sulfate exposure significantly suppresses fetal platelet function.

Duke Scholars

Author Eleanor Hoon Joo Rhee Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Author Andra Hohler James Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine