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Antenatal magnesium reduces risk of cerebral palsy. |
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A recently published Cochrane Review has considered the role of antenatal administration of magnesium sulphate to mothers at risk of premature delivery.
Babies born prematurely have a higher risk of death compared to those born at term and also a higher risk of cerebral palsy in those that survive. This Cochrane Review has found that antenatal administration of magnesium sulphate to mothers at risk of premature delivery substantially reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in their children. There was no statistically significant effect on overall morality. The review found that the number of women needed to be treated to benefit one baby by avoiding cerebral palsy is 63.
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