The patellar reflex in preeclamptic women with subtherapeutic and therapeutic serum magnesium levels
Chao, A.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 35(7): 678-681
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 2376854 Document Number: 361422
The normalization of hyperreflexia has been proposed by some authorities as an indicator of adequate seizure prophylaxis in preeclamptic women receiving magnesium sulfate. To the test this hypothesis the patellar reflex response was measured with a quantitative technique in 20 preeclamptic patients during their progression for subtherapeutic to therapuetic serum levels of magnesium. Patients meeting selected criteria for hyperreflexia demonstrated a 46% decrease in their reflex response. Those without initial hyperreflexia failed to demonstrate a significant decrease.