Baseline laboratory data included a hematocrite, platelet
count, serum magnesium level, Prothrombine time (PT),
limited thromboplastin time, bleeding time, coagulation
time, and biochemical parameters. All patients received a
6-g bolus of IV magnesium sulfate diluted in 100 ml of
0.9% normal saline over 20 min, followed by an infusion of
2 g/h until 12 h postpartum. During the treatment,
patients’ BP measurements were taken at every 30 min
until 1 h postpartum, then hourly. Patients’ liquid intake
and output as well as deep tendon reflexes were recorded at
each hour. Study participants had extensive nursing and
physician contact and were questioned on symptoms of
end-organ involvement.
Venous blood was collected on three occasions from
each patient. All samples were taken from a single 18-
gauge cannula placed in a peripheral vein (which had a
continuous infusion of lactated Ringer solution running
through it at 75 ml/h) by using a two-syringe technique. All
blood samples were easily aspirated. The 10-ml sample in
the first syringe was discarded, and the sample in the
second syringe was studied. Blood samples were collected
in citrated vials before commencement of the magnesium
bolus and 2 h after the administration of the magnesium
therapy. All samples were placed in the TEGR analyzer
within 20 min of collection. Duke method was used to
measure bleeding time. For the Duke method, a fingertip is
pricked to cause bleeding. Serum magnesium levels were
also analyzed at 30 min after the magnesium sulfate bolus.
Before initiating magnesium sulfate treatment and 2 h
after IV magnesium therapy, bleeding time, PT, (normal:
11–13 s); activated limited thromboplastin time (aPTT)
(normal: 24–37 s), fibrinogen level, platelet count,
magnesium level, biochemical parameters, systolic and
diastolic BP, pulse, respiratory rate, and diuresis with were
recorded