Dr Lungu Orton

17/10/2026

17/10/2026

04/10/2026

Magnesium sulphate for seizure prophylaxis and neuroprotection in pregnant women with Pre-eclampsia with severe features and eclampsia.

What are the regimens available?

Many regimens are used world-over with different effectiveness. The common ones are the Pritchard regimen and the Zuspan. Others regimens include the Sibai, the Dhaka and the Sokoto regimen.

How is it administered?

In the Pritchard regimen a loading dose of 14g is given (4g IV and 10g IM, 5g in each buttock). The struggle is usually for conversion of the 50% concentration it comes in to 20% for the IV dose. MgSO4 usually comes as a 5g/10ml 50% preparation. Two options for conversion. The easy one is remembering a ratio of 2:3 that is two parts of MgSO4 to 3 parts of diluent. If it is 5g/10ml 50% meaning each ml is 0.5g. If you get 8 ml × 0.5 you get 4g. So 8ml MgSO4:12ml diluent. In a 20 mls needle that is 8mls MgSO4 diluted with 12ml of water for injection. In a 10ml you get two 10mls each will have 4ml MgSO4 to 6mls of diluent but by 2 needles. The actual formula is the ((concentration available/concentration desired)-1) in this case the ((50% is available conc/20% desired conc)-1) which is 2.5-1=1.5. Meaning when you get the 8ml equivalent to 4g you multiply it with 1.5 to get 12mls.

The Zuspan regimen is an IV regimen where you load with a 4g IV over 20 minutes followed by 1g hourly.

The Sibai regimen uses a 6g loading IV dose followed by a 2g hourly.

Which regimen should you use?

In low resource settings the Pritchard is commonly used because you don't need the infusion pump and the serum levels of MgSO4 might be challenging to measure consistently. Where resources are available the Zuspan and Sibai regimen are used. Some studies have argued that the 6g loading dose achieves early therapeutic levels.

What are the targeted therapeutic levels?

Some studies quote a 4-7 meq/L as therapeutic range. To convert to mmol/L you divide with 2 which gives a 2-4mmol/L.

What happens in case of toxicity?

Deep tendon reflex are the first to be affected with levels 8-10 meq/L then Respirations at 10-15 meq/L followed by cardiac arrest at 25 meq/L or 12.5mmol/L

Why do we measure urine output?

MgSO4 is primarily excreted in urine.

How long is it administered?

For Pre-eclampsia with severe features it is given for 24 hours while in eclampsia it is give for 24 hours after the last event which can be delivery or seizure/fit. The Sokoto regimen is a shorter version of the Pritchard regimen going for 12 hours post seizure or delivery in Eclampsia.

The altimate management of pre-eclampsia with severe features/SPE and Eclampsia is delivery.

For neuroprotection it is used for pregnancies between 24-32 weeks and helps prevent cerebral palsy.

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

04/10/2026

October is .🩷

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional immediately 👇🏿



https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2026/10/01/default-calendar/breast-cancer-awareness-month-2026

03/10/2026

There is a link between the amount of time children spend on screens and their development, a new study shows, with poorer outcomes seen in learning, speech and emotional regulation among those who spend longer on them. https://cnn.it/4AIq8oF

01/10/2026

Not everything we see online is true.

People need timely, reliable information to strengthen trust, support informed decisions and help people participate meaningfully in society.

This International Day for Universal Access to Information is a reminder to pause and verify information before sharing.

29/09/2026

28/09/2026

❤️ DON’T MISS A BEAT!

What can you do to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events?

Tomorrow on the TeleDoctor Show, we’re talking about preventing cardiovascular events and the simple steps that can help protect your heart and overall health.

📺 Tomorrow | 17:00
📍 Diamond TV & TeleDoctor page

Tune in, learn the warning signs, know your risk and take action early.

Don’t miss a beat. ❤️

28/09/2026

Did you know? 1-rod etonogestrel (ETG) contraceptive implants can provide protection for up to 5 years, giving you one less thing to think about every day.

1-rod etonogestrel implants can offer long-lasting, highly effective contraception without the need for daily pills, and reducing clinic visits and costs.

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if an implant is right for you.

28/09/2026

Do you have a great project idea but struggle to turn it into a compelling funding proposal? Join us for a practical Proposal Writing Workshop and learn how to develop clear, persuasive proposals that communicate your ideas, goals, and impact.

📅 Tuesday, September 29
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 American Center for Leadership, U.S. Embassy Zambia
💡 Learn. Write. Strengthen. Create Impact.
🔗 Register https://forms.gle/t2dWXtfPnBHUnfet6

All American Spaces programs are free. Limited spaces available, apply now!