Prenatal Magnesium Sulfate and Time to First Stool in Late Preterm Infants [32N]. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Cresta W.; Petrashek, Kara; Wenzlaff, Miranda; Simpson, Pippa; Pan, Amy Y.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 131(2018)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000533128.54116.f1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Reports suggest an increase in bowel obstruction or delayed transit time in preterm infants exposed to magnesium sulfate prior to delivery, but there are limited data in a later preterm cohort. Delayed stooling may be the first sign of more severe bowel dysfunction. Our goal was to examine the effect of magnesium sulfate on time to first stool in infants 32 weeks 0 days and 33 weeks 6 days gestational age. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of infants delivered between 32 weeks 0 days and 33 weeks 6 days gestational age at an academic medical center were examined from August 2012 to December 2014. Time to first stool and exposure to magnesium were studied in 120 infants who met study criteria. Indication for magnesium treatment was identified. Neonatal records were reviewed for evidence of adverse bowel events. RESULTS: No difference in time to first stool was identified comparing infants not receiving magnesium (time to first stool 0.72 days) with infants receiving magnesium for preeclampsia (0.72 days) and for tocolysis (0.77 days), P = 0.93. Time to first stool was inversely proportional to gestational age (p=0.008). No adverse bowel events were identified in either group. CONCLUSION: In infants born at 32w0d - 33w6d, there does not appear to be an increase in time to first stool with exposure to prenatal magnesium sulfate. Therefore, magnesium can be considered as an option for tocolysis, as well as utilized for treatment of preeclampsia with severe features, without delaying bowel transit time in this cohort.