Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocities in preterm neonates.
Study design: In this prospective case-control study, we included 53 neonates born between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation. Twenty neonates were exposed to MgSO4 antenatally and 33 were not. Serial daily Doppler flow measurements of middle cerebral artery (MCA) were performed.
Result: Significantly increased MCA mean velocities were found in the MgSO4 group. A progressive increase in serial Doppler measurements of MCA mean velocity from day 1 to day 5 of life was detected in both groups.
Conclusion: There is significant increase in MCA mean velocities in preterm neonates receiving antenatal MgSO4. This increment in CBF velocities might explain the protective role of MgSO4 in ischemic events and hypoxic brain damage.