Introduction:

Diverse drug-related neuroprotections are used during the prenatal period to help reduce the risk of cerebral palsy or motor dysfunctions in the newborn. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is useful as a fetal neuroprotector in prematures with less than 32 weeks, as well as in the management of preeclampsia. Nevertheless, some dose-dependent adverse effects both on the mother and the newborn have been reported. This situation is necessarily of concern to the nursing and obstetrics professional.

Objective:

To determine the frequency of neonatal reanimation en prematures with less than 32 weeks with MgSO4 neuroprotection.

Methods:

This is a retrospective and observational study conducted in a hospital in Santiago, Chile. Simple random sampling was used. Prematures with less than 32 weeks of gestational age, with or without MgSO4 treatment and who had or had not required neonatal reanimation, were included in the study. Data were collected from clinical records. Absolute and relative frequencies and their direct comparisons were calculated.

Results:

From the total of newborns who received MgSO4, 61.7% required neonatal reanimation, while from those who did not receive MgSO4, 52.8% required neonatal reanimation.

Conclusions:

The higher frequency of neonatal reanimation is associated with the received MgSO4 as a neuroprotection with and occurs more likely in neonates with a gestational age less than 32 weeks. The results contribute to evidence-based decision making.