INTRAVENOUS MAGNESIUM SULFATE IN THE TREATMENT OF NEPHRITIC CONVULSIONS IN ADULTS 12

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
1. The slow intraven. inj. of 500 cc. of 2% MgSO4 7H2O is a safe procedure which is of some value in preventing and controlling the convulsive seizures of chronic nephritis in adults. The benefits are, however, neither certain nor dramatic. 2. If convulsions are not controlled by a single inj., they will almost always be checked by a 2d inj. After 2 injs. Mg may attain such a high conc. in serum that its depressant effects on the nervous system may become manifest. 3. After inj. the conc. of Mg may remain elevated for several days in patients with chronic nephritis because of the retarded excretion of Mg in the urine. More than 1000 cc. of 2% MgSO4 sulfate should therefore not be given within a 48-hr. period in the presence of severe renal insufficiency, lest a conc. sufficient to produce respiratory paralysis be attained. 4. Mg in these amts. causes cutaneous vasodilatation in all subjects. Blood pressure regularly falls in subjects with acute nephritis or eclampsia but is frequently unaffected in those with chronic cardiovascular disease.