The Magpie Trial: a randomised trial comparing magnesium sulphate with placebo for pre‐eclampsia. Outcome for children at 18 months

Objective To assess the long‐term effects of in utero exposure to magnesium sulphate for children whose mothers had pre‐eclampsia. Design Assessment at 18 months of age for children whose mothers were recruited to the Magpie Trial (recruitment 1998–2001 ISRCTN 86938761), which compared magnesium sulphate with placebo. Setting Follow‐up of children born at 125 centres in 19 countries across five continents. Population A total of 6922 children were born to women randomised before delivery at follow‐up centres. Of these, 2271 were not included for logistic reasons and 168 were excluded (101 at a centre where