Population Council Research that makes a difference

The most common—yet treatable—cause of maternal death is severe pre-eclampsia, which, if untreated, can lead to seizures (eclampsia), kidney and liver damage, or death. The World Health Organization has recommended magnesium sulfate as the most effective, safe, and low-cost drug to treat severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

The Population Council has conducted a package of studies in Mexico demonstrating that magnesium sulfate is widely available and providers know that it is the gold standard for prevention/treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. However, the studies also have shown that the actual use of magnesium apparently is rare and inconsistent. Further documentation on the barriers to and context of magnesium sulfate use in other states also is needed.

Council researchers selected Oaxaca as the site of this project because of its comparably poor health indicators and because it could serve as an important counterpoint to Council studies at the national and Mexico City levels. This project's aims were to (1) continue to systematically and reliably document the issues surrounding the inconsistent use of magnesium sulfate; and (2) offer recommendations on the interventions needed to bring about a change in practice.

Researchers used the same study methodology and collaborated with the federal- and state-level ministries of health on data collection.