Magnesium for preventing preterm birth after threatened preterm labour

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#female #humans #magnesium #obstetric-labor-premature #pregnancy

Magnesium for preventing preterm birth after threatened preterm labour

Crowther et al., 2000 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Crowther C A, Moore V. Magnesium for preventing preterm birth after threatened preterm labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000(2):CD000940

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Magnesium therapy is sometimes continued after an episode of threatened preterm labour in an attempt to prevent the onset of further preterm contractions. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of magnesium maintenance therapy on preventing preterm birth after threatened preterm labour. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of magnesium therapy given to women after threatened preterm labour. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality assessment and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: Two trials were included. Both were of poor quality and neither study included any long-term follow up of infants. The incidence of preterm birth or perinatal mortality was not reduced by magnesium maintenance therapy compared to alternative therapy or no treatment. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to show that magnesium maintenance therapy is effective in preventing preterm birth after an episode of threatened preterm labour.

Key Findings

Two trials were included. Both were of poor quality and neither study included any long-term follow up of infants. The incidence of preterm birth or perinatal mortality was not reduced by magnesium maintenance therapy compared to alternative therapy or no treatment. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to show that magnesium maintenance therapy is effective in preventing preterm birth after an episode of threatened preterm labour.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnesium
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Pregnancy
  • Tocolysis

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

  • PMID: 10796222
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09