Sildenafil Citrate for Treatment of Growth Restricted Fetuses: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction is a major obstetrical problem, which represents a main cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality; it is defined as a fetal weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age or more specifically failure of a fetus to reach its genetically determined growth potential for pathological causes. It affects approximately 3 to 7% of all pregnancies. There are various reasons for such condition, such as genetic disorders, infection and uteroplacental insufficiency, often with contributions from multiple, overlapping factors, uteroplacental insufficiency is the most important cause and the one could be improved by medication as proved in our study. To diagnose fetal growth restriction, information should be integrated from maternal history and physical examination with information from sonographic evaluation of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. The combined information helps to both confirm the diagnosis and establish the etiology for the growth abnormality. Sildenafil citrate which is a vasodilator drug is supposed to help in vasodilatation of the uterine and umbilical vessels, help to decrease their vascular resistance and so, improve fetal blood flow and improve fetal outcome. In our study, we assessed the effect of Sildenafil citrate therapy on neonatal outcomes in women with