It's estimated that 50,000 pregnant women worldwide die each year of eclampsia, a condition involving elevated blood pressure and seizures. A research team from 175 hospitals in 33 countries investigated the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate in preventing the occurrence of eclampsia in at-risk patients. Results are summarized below. (Lancet, June 1, 2002).
a) Write a 95% confidence interval for the increase in the proportion of women who may develop side effects from this treatment. Interpret your interval.
b) Is there evidence that the treatment may be effective in preventing the development of eclampsia? Test an appropriate hypothesis and state your conclusion.