Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a life
threatening condition associated with an increased risk of neurological
impairment. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO
$_{4}$
) is an alternative
and low cost treatment for PPHN. Despite more appropriate and available
therapies MgSO
$_{4}$
is still widely used, especially in
developing countries, but long-term follow-up is unknown. In a retrospective
controlled study we evaluated whether MgSO
$_{4}$
therapy for
PPHN was associated with increased neuro-developmental impairments at
follow-up, as compared to a control group. Population consisted of 33 infants
treated for PPHN with MgSO
$_{4}$
only (study group) and 32
healthy term infants (control group). Extensive neuro-developmental follow-up
examination was performed at 18 months and 5 years of age. Rate of major
impairments and minor impairments were evaluated and compared to the
literature.
The rates of major impairments in the study group at 18 months and
5 years were 6% and 11.4%, respectively, and 0% at both ages in the
control group. The rates of minor impairments at the same ages were 3% and
26.9% for the study group, and 0% and 26.1% for the control group.
Mean developmental quotients at 18 months were 106.6 (SD 1.6) in the study
group and 118.3 (SD 1.0) in the control group (p<0.001).
General intellectual index at preschool age was not significantly different
between the two groups. Treatment with MgSO
$_{4}$
does not
increase the rate of disability, as compared to other treatments for PPHN.
