Magnesium sulfate, chorioamnionitis, and neurodevelopment after preterm birth

Objective To assess the neuroprotective effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in preterm children exposed to chorioamnionitis. Design A secondary analysis of a multicentre randomised controlled trial of antenatal MgSO4 administered to women at risk of preterm birth for the prevention of cerebral palsy (CP). Singleton, non‐anomalous pregnancies with clinical chorioamnionitis, delivering at ≥24 weeks of gestation, were selected. Cases were exposed to antepartum MgSO4; controls received placebo. Setting Multicentre randomised controlled trial. Population Singleton, non‐anomalous pregnancies with clinical chorioamnionitis, delivering at ≥24 weeks of gestation. Methods All data were analysed by intention to treat. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Main outcome measures Primary outcome was a composite of stillbirth, death by the age of 1 year, or moderate or severe CP by the age of 2 years. Secondary outcomes included a composite neonatal outcome as well as neurodevelopmental delay, defined as Bayley II mental and psychomotor developmental indices