[The value of magnesium sulfate in intensive care of severe toxemias of pregnancy (author's transl)].

A view on the employment of magnesium sulfate in pregnancy is given and the statement of the cardiovascular changes before, during and after the intravenous infusion of 4,0 g magnesium sulfate in ten hypertensive late pregnant women. The drug induces a mild decrease of arterial blood pressure with a distinct increase of stroke volume, cardiac output, heart rate, heart work and the heart's power. The pathologically increased total peripheral resistance is reduced. These hemodynamic effects are very favourable concerning intensive care of severe toxemias of pregnancy.