Evidence has shown that magnesium sulfate – a common compound found in Epsom salt, for example – reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm babies. However, there is still some debate as to whether magnesium sulfate should be administered for this purpose.
In the current issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology are several articles that shed light on the debate. One article concludes that persuasive evidence exists for the use of magnesium sulfate in women at high risk of delivering prior to 34 weeks gestation. Another article lists the pros and cons of using magnesium sulfate for cerebral palsy prevention, and also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of existing studies. The last article offers one physician’s clinical opinion that the compound has the potential to prevent 1,000 cases of cerebral palsy in the United States each year.
What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is a chronic motor disability that is diagnosed in thousands of infants and children annually. There is no cure for cerebral palsy and the estimated lifetime cost of treating the condition in an individual is approximately $1 million. If you think your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation and you may wish to have a medical attorney evaluate your case.
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