Introduction:

Neuroaxial regional anesthesia is one of the techniques most used by anesthesiologists for its safety and efficacy, adjuvants are used to improve its characteristics. Recently, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has gained popularity as an adjuvant in neuroaxial techniques for safety and effectiveness in improving anesthetic quality.

Material and methods:

A systematized search for controlled clinical trial research studies was conducted using MeSH keyword/term search engines. Results were compared using standard deviation.

Results:

Longer duration of neuroaxial sensory blockade was demonstrated in the magnesium sulfate group (MgSO4). The effect was greater in the duration of neuroaxial sensory blockade in the Isobaric group. The duration of neuroaxial blockade with the adjuvant magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) vs. fentanyl showed no difference. We observed longer duration of motor blockade in the magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) group in the peridural space. In relation to the beginning of the sensitive blockade in the subarachnoid group, it presented a delay in the installation of the blockade that was accelerated with the administration in the peridural.

Conclusions:

Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) prolongs the duration of motor and sensory block, increases the interval of onset of sensory block and motor block via the subarachnoid by shortening the peridural route, has a greater effect when isobaric local anaesthetic is administered and is equivalent to fentanyl with a better cost/benefit profile.