Objective: To evaluate the role of magnesium sulphate in patients presenting with ischaemic stroke. Methods: This experimental type of interventional study was carried out at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Within 24 hours of onset of clinically diagnosed stroke, which was later confirmed by CT scan, patients were randomized to receive either magnesium sulphate (16mmol IV over 15 minutes and 65mmol over 24 hours) or placebo. Their disability was measured by Barthel score at presentation and outcome measured after three months by death and disability and the results were compared between the two groups. Those patients who had a Barthel score of = 12 at three months were considered independent and those with a score of 12 at three months in the MgSO4 and 30% in the control/placebo group. Combined death and disability was 8% in MgSO4 group and 60% in the control group. Moreover MgSO4 was well tolerated. Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate therapy was safe in patients presenting with ischaemic stroke irrespective of the site of infarct. It improves prognosis regarding Barthel score at three months as well as the difference in the Barthel score at presentation and at three months. A greater percentage of magnesium treated patients led independent lives after three months.
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