Abstract
Magnesium decline is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI). This study was undertaken to test the therapeutic efficacy and
safety of parenterally administered Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in patients of severe closed TBI. Adult patients admitted within 12 hours of closed
TBI with Glasgow coma score 5 to 8 fulfilling eligibility criteria were randomized
to two groups, one group receiving ‘standard care’ and the other, MgSO4 in addition as per the Pritchard regimen. The outcome measures were Glasgow outcome
scale at 3 months and other relevant clinical parameters. Seventy patients were randomized
after obtaining informed consent, and 30 in each group remained in the study till
3 months. Favorable outcome was observed in 22 out of 30 patients (73.3%) who had
received MgSO4, as compared with 12 out of 30 (40%) in control group. Univariate analysis revealed
an odds ratio (OR) of 4.13 (95% CI 1.39–12.27) and the P value was 0.009. In the logistic
regression analysis, the adj. OR was 4.24 (95% CI 1.1–16.36) and the P value was 0.036.
The secondary outcomes analyzed in MgSO4 group showed significant difference with respect to intra-operative brain swelling
at the end of surgical decompression and mortality at 1 month. No significant adverse
effects were observed. Parenteral MgSO4 appears to have some favorable influence on mortality and intra-operative brain swelling
without any significant adverse effects.
Keywords
Severe traumatic brain injury - Magnesium sulphate - Pritchard regimen - Outcome