A meta-analysis of magnesium for tetanus

Rodrigo et al., 2012 | Anaesthesia | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rodrigo C, Samarakoon L, ... Rajapakse S. A meta-analysis of magnesium for tetanus. Anaesthesia. 2012-Dec;67(12):1370-4. doi:10.1111/anae.12020

Abstract

Uncontrolled studies suggest that magnesium sulphate controls spasms in patients with established tetanus. We performed a meta-analysis of controlled trials that compared magnesium sulphate with placebo or diazepam for the treatment of patients with tetanus. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane clinical trials registry. Three studies met the inclusion criteria, containing 275 participants (199 male patients, 72.4%). Magnesium sulphate did not reduce mortality, relative risk (95% CI): vs placebo, 0.80 (0.41-1.58); vs diazepam, 1.11 (0.70-1.75). The data on duration of total intensive care unit stay, total hospital stay and the need for ventilatory support were conflicting and pooling of results could not be done due to methodological differences of individual trials. More controlled trials are needed to assess the effect of magnesium sulphate on reducing autonomic instability, spasms, duration of intensive care and hospital stays and the need for mechanical ventilation.

Key Findings

More controlled trials are needed to assess the effect of magnesium sulphate on reducing autonomic instability, spasms, duration of intensive care and hospital stays and the need for mechanical ventilation.

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Anticonvulsants
• Diazepam
• Female
• Humans
• Magnesium Sulfate
• Male
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Spasm
• Tetanus

Evidence Classification

• Level: Meta Analysis
• Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
• Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

• PMID: 23033859
• DOI: 10.1111/anae.12020
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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