The Influence of Magnesium Sulphate Fortified Haematinics on the Prevention of Preeclampsia and Anaemia In Pregnancy In Ibadan

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and anaemia in pregnancy are common direct and indirect causes of maternal deaths and morbidities, and the need for routine haematinics supplementation in Sub-Saharan Africa is well documented. Magnesium Sulphate has been proven to be of benefit in the treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Aim: To determine whether haematinics fortified with magnesium sulphate (Jawaron® soft gel capsules) helps in reducing the incidence and complications from preeclampsia while also assessing its effectiveness in preventing anaemia in pregnancy and attendant complications. Settings and Design: The study was prospective and interventional involving four hundred and ten (410) pregnant women recruited before 20 weeks gestation. Methods and Materials: The participants were randomly allocated into two groups, the first group received MgSO4 fortified haematinics while the second group had routine haematinics (5mg Folic acid and 200mg Ferrous sulphate) and both groups were followed up till delivery. Results: There was a slight reduction in the mean systolic blood pressure (112.2mmHg ± 14.0 to 111.3mmHg ± 13.9) at delivery among the MgSO4 fortified haematinics group. None of the patients in the two groups developed preeclampsia however 17 (4.3%) participants developed pregnancy-induced hypertension. The prevalence of anaemia in labour and shortly before delivery among the MgSO4 fortified haematinics and those on routine haematinics was 7.0% and 9.5% respectively, without any statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The prevalence of preeclampsia and anaemia in this study was similar amongst pregnant women in the two groups, although with better systolic blood pressure at delivery in the MgSO4 fortified haematinics group. It is recommended that the single dosage combined haematinics formulations should be used in ante-natal care clinics where better compliance with therapy is desired.