Magnesium for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#developmental-disabilities #humans #hypoxia-ischemia-brain #infant-newborn #magnesium-compounds

Magnesium for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tagin et al., 2013 | J Perinatol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Tagin M, Shah P S, Lee K-S. Magnesium for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Perinatol. 2013-Sep;33(9):663-9. doi:10.1038/jp.2013.65

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Magnesium may have a role in neuroprotection in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The objective of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of postnatal magnesium therapy in newborns with HIE. STUDY DESIGN: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and CCRCT were searched for studies of magnesium for HIE. Randomized controlled trials that compared magnesium to control in newborns with HIE were selected. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of death or moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental disability at 18 months. When appropriate, meta-analyses were conducted using random effects model and risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULT: Five studies with sufficient quality were included. There was no difference in the primary outcome between the magnesium and the control groups (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.84). There was significant reduction in the unfavorable short-term composite outcome (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.77) but no difference in mortality (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.27), seizures (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.19) or hypotension (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.38) between the magnesium and the control groups. CONCLUSION: The improvement in short-term outcomes without significant increase in side effects indicate the need for further trials to determine if there are long-term benefits of magnesium and to confirm its safety. Mortality was statistically insignificant between the magnesium and the control groups. However, the trend toward increase in mortality in the magnesium group is a major clinical concern and should be monitored closely in future trials.

Key Findings

The improvement in short-term outcomes without significant increase in side effects indicate the need for further trials to determine if there are long-term benefits of magnesium and to confirm its safety. Mortality was statistically insignificant between the magnesium and the control groups. However, the trend toward increase in mortality in the magnesium group is a major clinical concern and should be monitored closely in future trials.

Outcomes Measured

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Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnesium Compounds

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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