The Effect of Sildenafil on Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) of Fetus with Gestational Age above ۲۸ 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. Materials and Methods: This study was a double-blinded clinical trial performed on ۸۰ pregnant women with gestational age above ۲۸ weeks and fetal weight below ۱۰% percentile and AC below ۳%. The patients were divided into two groups: the recipient of ۲۵ mg of oral sildenafil daily (n=۴۰) (made by Marham Darou in Tehran, Iran), and the group, receiving placebo (n=۴۰). 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. Results: The mean age of the patients was ۳۰.۸۶ ± ۵.۷۷ 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 <۰.۰۵). In the intervention group, after receiving the drug, the mean number of days to delivery was ۱۲.۰۵ days, and in the control group, after receiving placebo was ۱۰.۰۰ days (P = ۰.۰۰۱). The mean birth weight and score of Apgar minutes ۱ and ۵ in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P <۰.۰۵). 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 ۱ and ۵. Additionally, hospitalization in the NICU after taking sildenafil is shortened.

Keywords:

fetus , Gestational Age , IUGR , neonate , Sildenafil