Annual Report 2015–2016

The difference a national
clinical guideline can make –
Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate
CASE STUDY
PART 6 APPENDICES
Cerebral palsy and cognitive dysfunction are the
most common neurologic impairments associated
with preterm birth (before 37 weeks gestation). In
2008, the cost of cerebral palsy to the Australian
community, including financial cost and lost
wellbeing, was estimated to be AUD$3.87 billion
per annum. In per capita terms, this is $115,000 per
person each year.
“In 2009, it was
discovered that giving
magnesium sulphate to
women prior to preterm
birth reduces the risk of
cerebral palsy.”
The babies of more than 4,000 pregnant Australian
women are at risk, but only 63 women needed to
be treated to benefit one baby through avoiding
cerebral palsy.
The Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate guidelines
were developed recommending that women at
risk of early preterm birth use magnesium sulphate
for neuroprotection of the fetus, infant and child.
The guidelines met NHMRC’s requirements and
standards, which are designed to ensure that
guidelines are based on the best-available scientific
evidence, and were endorsed by NHMRC in
November 2010.
The estimated rate of uptake of this guideline in
Australian and New Zealand tertiary maternity
hospitals is approximately 90 per cent. These
guidelines will therefore have significant positive
outcomes for the health and wellbeing of preterm
infants and their families, resulting in significant
financial savings for the Australian community.
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Annual Report of the National Health and Medical Research Council 2015–2016