1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
I share Dr. Van Gelder's misgivings (Pediatrics, 35:355) over the wide publicity given magnesium sulfate enemas for the treatment of the respiratory distress syndrome. We, like Dr. Van Gelder, have not used this therapy because nearly all our patients have respiratory acidosis and electrolyte disturbances. But many physicians have asked me for information and advice.
I have recently learned of two deaths following administration of magnesium sulfate as described by Dr. Stowens. One infant died very promptly, the other 24 hours later, after increasing distress, bradypnea, fever, lethargy, and shrill cry.