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Am J Perinatol 2024; 41(06): 677-683
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776902
SMFM Fellows Research Series

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Post-Bolus Magnesium Levels in the Obstetric Patient

Madushka Y. De Zoysa 
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, California
,
Melissa Westermann 
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, California
,
Tyler Yang 
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, California
,
Judith H. Chung 
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, California
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Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective In the setting of a growing obese obstetric population, we sought to determine whether differences in body mass index (BMI) and obesity class influenced both serum magnesium levels and the likelihood of achieving therapeutic levels for eclampsia prophylaxis after standard boluses of magnesium sulfate.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of patients treated with magnesium sulfate in the setting of either preeclampsia with severe features or preterm labor between 2010 and 2016. Subjects were categorized by BMI: Normal (BMI < 30 kg/m2), Class 1 (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2), Class 2 (BMI 35–39.9 kg/m2), and Class 3 (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Study participants' demographics, intrapartum characteristics, and adverse reactions were compared among the groups. Logistic regression models were used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios comparing the likelihood of each BMI class reaching therapeutic eclamptic prophylactic levels. Linear regression models were also evaluated to determine the relationship between BMI and post-bolus serum magnesium levels.

Results Of the 760 people who met the inclusion criteria, 313 (41.1%) had normal BMI, 190 (25.0%) had Class 1 obesity, 135 (17.8%) had Class 2 obesity, and 122 (16.1%) had Class 3 obesity. When adjusted for confounders, those with Class 1 obesity were 54% less likely to achieve serum levels deemed therapeutic for seizure prophylaxis compared with normal BMI counterparts. Meanwhile, those with Class 2 or 3 obesity were 90% less likely. Linear regression models also demonstrated an inverse association between BMI and post-bolus serum magnesium levels.

Conclusion Increasing BMI has a significant effect on post-bolus serum magnesium levels regardless of standard loading dose used. Immediately after bolus administration, obese gravidas are significantly less likely to reach levels effective for eclamptic seizure prophylaxis. When considering which bolus to administer in an obese gravida, it may be more beneficial to choose a 6 g load.

Key Points

  • BMI has an inverse relationship with post-bolus serum magnesium levels.

  • Obese gravidas were less likely to reach eclampsia prophylaxis levels regardless of bolus type.

  • Obesity class, not just the presence or absence of obesity, plays a role in serum magnesium levels.

Keywords

magnesium - preeclampsia - obesity - body mass index - preterm labor

Note

This research was previously presented as a poster presentation at the 42nd Annual Pregnancy Meeting (virtual), Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, January 31, 2021 to February 5, 2022.




Publication History

Received: 15 August 2021

Accepted: 22 October 2023

Article published online:
10 November 2023

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