Intrathecal magnesium as analgesic adjuvant for spinal anesthesia: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: The efficacy and safety of intrathecal magnesium as analgesic adjuvant has been tested by several clinical trials in recent years. We performed a meta-analysis of the available literature.

Methods: Randomized clinical trials comparing a 50 to 100 mg dose of intrathecal magnesium sulfate versus placebo in addition to an intrathecal local anesthetic and/or opiate for a below-umbilicus procedure were included.