A researcher from the University of Adelaide, has announced new national guidelines recommend that women at risk of early preterm labor with magnesium sulfate to protect their babies from cerebral palsy.

Professor Caroline Crowther from the University Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Institute Robinson said the guidelines for clinical practice are based on the overwhelming evidence in the last 14 years that magnesium sulfate is effective in protecting the fetus.

Five trials, including one funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, to confirm this observation, the teacher said Crowther.

The guidelines have been announced by the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in its annual scientific meeting in Adelaide.

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It is estimated that 692,000 Australians are diagnosed with osteoporosis and a new clinical guideline published by the Royal College of General Practitioners in Australia will help in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of osteoporosis in the elderly, Minister Justine Elliot said aging. The new guideline has been published to mark the National Week of musculoskeletal disorders.

Clinical guidelines developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners in Australia (RACGP) with support from the Rudd Government and approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council, provides a comprehensive review of the management of osteoporosis on the basis of the best data.

Minister Elliot said: “The guide is designed to help physicians and other primary care professionals in the management and diagnosis of patients with osteoporosis.

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