Effect of sildenafil on perinatal outcomes in pregnancies affected by intrauterine growth restriction
Abstract
Introduction: IUGR is correlated with a higher risk of prematurity, low birth weight, perinatal morbidity, and mortality.
Objective: To compare perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) treated with sildenafil versus placebo.
Methods: A total of 96 pregnant women with gestational age ranging from 24 to 36 weeks who had FGR were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly divided into sildenafil and placebo groups. Sildenafil was given at a dose of 25 mg daily, then raised to three doses daily if tolerated. Gestational age at delivery, birth weight of the neonates, and perinatal mortality were evaluated.
Results: Mean neonatal birth weight was higher in the sildenafil group than in the placebo group (2160±430 versus 1910±410 g; p=0.004), and mean gestational age at delivery was higher in the sildenafil group than in the placebo group (38.0±1.5 versus 37.2±1.6 weeks; p=0.013). Sildenafil had a lower rate of perinatal mortality, 4.2% compared to 12.5% (p=0.140), but the difference was not significant.
Conclusion: In pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction, sildenafil may help to improve gestational age at delivery and birth weight of the baby. Further multi-center trials are needed to substantiate efficacy, safety, and neonatal outcomes.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 96 participants or records.
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