Author(s)

Simon Pius^1*, Mustapha Bello¹, Jose Pwavimbo Ambe¹, Yenti Machoko¹, Adama Yusuf Clement², Rhoda Genesis³, Mark Inusa Kamas⁴

¹Department of Paediatrics, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
²Department of Economics, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
³Department of Chemical Pathology Laboratory, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
⁴APIN/FHI, HIV/AIDS Data Section, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia is one of the leading causes of perinatal death and a recognized cause of neuromotor disability among survivors. About 20% - 30% of asphyxiated newborns who develop hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) die during the neonatal period, and one third to one half of survivors are left with cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Objective of the Study: Was to determine the effect of magnesium sulphate as neuroprotective drug in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy resulting from severe perinatal asphyxia. Materials and Methods: A prospective administration of magnesium sulphate to 52 severely asphyxiated newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was conducted over one year period from 1^st August 2017 to 31^st July 2018. Results: Most (96.2%) of patients were term baby (GA ≥ 37 weeks). Most (90.4%) were in-hospital born, vaginal delivery accounted for 55.8% and 44.2% assisted delivery respectively. About one half (55.8%) of the patients commenced MgSO₄ therapy at <6 hours after birth, while 30.6% and 16.6% commenced MgSO₄ therapy at 6 - <24 hours and >24 hours after birth respectively. Time of commencement of first enteral feeding (p = 0.018) and time to full enteral feeding (p = 0.015) showed significant correlation with the survival without neurological deficit. The earlier the commencement of MgSO₄ therapy, the better the proportion with strong palmar grasp, sucking reflex, tone and early resolution of encephalopathy. Conclusion: All the study subjects treated with magnesium sulphate had impressive improvement; however there is a need to conduct randomized placebo-controlled trial treatment of severe perinatal asphyxia so as to determine its effects on early resolution of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy/neuroprotective activity.

Severe Perinatal Asphyxia, HIE, Magnesium Sulphate, Neuroprotection, Early Breastfeeding

Pius, S. , Bello, M. , Ambe, J. , Machoko, Y. , Clement, A. , Genesis, R. and Kamas, M. (2019) Pilot Study: Magnesium Sulphate Administration and Early Resolution of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Severe Perinatal Asphyxia. Open Journal of Pediatrics, 9, 89-102. doi: 10.4236/ojped.2019.91009.