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Failure To Prescribe Magnesium Sulfate May Increase Cerebral Palsy Risk In Preterm Infants By 50%

All too often, cerebral palsy caused by medical malpractice occurs in Syracuse, Utica, Oswego, Watertown and Binghamton, New York. As many as one-third of cerebral palsy cases are associated with an early labor and delivery resulting in a premature baby.

When OBGYNs or labor and delivery nurses correctly diagnose an impending preterm birth, a recent study suggests that magnesium sulfate should be prescribed to protect against cerebral palsy. According to Syracuse birth injury lawyers Bottar Law, PLLC, magnesium sulfate may strengthen fetal blood vessels and, in turn, increase oxygen transport despite swelling and inflammation associated with an early delivery.

While scientists have not identified exactly how magnesium sulfate may aid in protecting a premature baby from brain injury, and despite the fact that the therapy has not been approved by the FDA, many OBGYNS are recommending the chemical compound (which also goes by the name Epson salt) to pregnant mothers.

According to John Thorpe, co-author of one of the largest studies of cerebral palsy and magnesium sulfate, “[v]irtually every delivery room in the United States is already stocked with magnesium sulfate solutions that are given to pregnant women during childbirth for other reasons. [W]hat we have learned from this study is that we have a cheap, widely available treatment already in hand that cuts in half the risk of babies being born with an extremely disabling disorder. That is a tremendously exciting development.”

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice and birth injury cases. If you or your baby have been injured due to medical malpractice, you, your child and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, special education, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.

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