Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate for Preterm Neuroprotection: A Single-Center Experience from Kuwait Tertiary NICU

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of antenatal exposure of magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) on short- and long-term outcomes in preterm neonates born less than 32 weeks gestation. METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort study of 229 neonates born between 24 and 32 weeks gestation was conducted from January 2018 through December 2018 in a level III neonatal care unit in Kuwait. Antenatal MgSO₄ exposure was collected from the medical records, and the indication was for neuroprotection effect. Brain MRI was done on 212 neonates (median gestational age 36 weeks), and brain injury was assessed using the Miller's score. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed by Bayley-III scales of infant development at 36 months corrected age (N = 146). The association of exposure to MgSO4 with brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcomes was examined using multivariable regression analysis adjusting for gestational age at MRI and variables with p value <0.05 on univariate analysis. RESULTS: Among the 229 neonates, 47 received antenatal MgSO₄. There were no differences between the groups in gestational age and birth weight. MgSO₄ exposure was not associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, retinopathy of prematurity, and mortality. The incidence of cerebellar hemorrhage was significantly less in the MgSO₄ group (0% vs. 16%, p value = 0.002). Neonates who received MgSO₄ had lower risks of grade 3–4 intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) adjusted OR 0.248 (95% CI: 0.092, 0.66), p = 0.006; moderate-severe white matter injury (WMI) adjusted odd ratio 0.208 (95% CI: 0.044, 0.96), p = 0.046; and grade 3–4 IVH and/or moderate-severe WMI adjusted OR 0.23 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.84), p = 0.027. Neurodevelopmental assessment at 36 months corrected age showed better motor (adjusted beta coefficient 1.08 [95% CI: 0.099, 2.06]; p = 0.031) and cognitive composite scores (adjusted beta coefficient 1.29 [95% CI: 0.36, 2.22]; p = 0.007) in the MgSO₄ group. CONCLUSION: Antenatal exposure to MgSO₄ in preterm neonates less than 32 weeks was independently associated with lower risks of brain injury and better motor and cognitive outcomes.