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The efficacy of sildenafil therapy in dismal prognosis early-onset intrauterine growth restriction: the STRIDER RCT

Sharp A, Cornforth C, Jackson R, Harrold J, Turner MA, Kenny L, Baker PN, Johnstone ED et al.

Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation, 2024

135 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Background: Severe early-onset intrauterine growth restriction is associated with stillbirth, neonatal death and neurodevelopmental impairment. There is no treatment for intrauterine growth restriction with timely delivery being the only management option. Placentas from intrauterine growth restriction pregnancies often show failure to remodel maternal spiral arteries leading to a persistent vasoactive responsiveness. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, potentiates naturally occurring nitrous oxide, encouraging vasodilation of vasoactive vessels. Previous studies in animal models and humans show recovery of placental function and improvement in fetal growth. The STRIDER trial aimed to address whether treatment with sildenafil is beneficial to fetal growth and perinatal and toddler outcomes.

Methods: The STRIDER trial was a superiority, randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial that was carried out in 19 fetal medicine units in the United Kingdom. Women with a singleton pregnancy between 22+0 and 29+6 weeks’ gestation, with severe early-onset intrauterine growth restriction, were asked to participate. Women were randomised (1 : 1) to receive either sildenafil 25-mg three times daily or placebo until 31+6 weeks’ gestation or delivery. Women were stratified by site and their gestational age at randomisation (before 26+0 or at 26+0 weeks or later). Severe intrauterine growth restriction was defined as a combination of estimated fetal weight or abdominal…

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