Australasian Collaborative Trial of Magnesium Sulphate for the Prevention of Mortality and Cerebral Palsy in Infants Born Very Preterm.

Infants born preterm have an increased risk of mortality and cerebral palsy. Evidence from recent case controlled studies support animal research that suggests maternal administration of magnesium sulphate may reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and mortality in infants born very preterm. It is important that these findings are tested in large randomised controlled trials as soon as possible to assess whether prophylactic treatment should be recommedned for clinical practice in the case of women who are at risk of preterm delivery. Trial participants, trial research staff and all involved in clinical care of participants were blinded. Trial treatment packs of identical appearance, labelled only with unique study number.