The Effect of Sildenafil on Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) of Fetus with Gestational Age above 28 Weeks and Neonatal Outcomes

Background:

 Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidities of the perinatal period. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of sildenafil on Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) of fetus.

This study was a double-blinded clinical trial performed on 80 pregnant women with gestational age above 28 weeks and fetal weight below 10% percentile and AC below 3%. The patients were divided into two groups: the recipient of 25 mg of oral sildenafil daily (n=40) (made by Marham Darou in Tehran, Iran), and the group, receiving placebo (n=40). The two groups were evaluated weekly in terms of ultrasound factors such as fetal weight, AC, PI, and RI of the umbilical and cerebral arteries, and S / D of the umbilical artery.

The mean age of the patients was 30.86 ± 5.77 years. Regarding MCA.PI, UA.PI, S / D, MCA.R and UA.RI indices, it was observed that these indices improved significantly in the intervention group (P <0.05). In the intervention group, after receiving the drug, the mean number of days to delivery was 12.05 days, and in the control group, after receiving placebo was 10.00 days (P = 0.001). The mean birth weight and score of Apgar minutes 1 and 5 in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P <0.05).

Conclusion :

Sildenafil can improve MCA.PI, UA.PI, S / D, MCA.R and UA.RI indices. Sildenafil increase the mean birth weight and score of Apgar minutes 1 and 5. Additionally, hospitalization in the NICU after taking sildenafil is shortened.