The Effect of Sildenafil Citrate on the Neonatal Outcome of Growth Restricted Foetuses: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Intra uterine growth restriction is one of the major problems of developing country like Egypt. IUGR is one of the major culprit of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Pregnancy audits reported that mostly IUGR is not recognized. Prevention of low birth weight infants becomes an important public health priority in our country. At present no effective treatment is available to treat IUGR. Most of the time expectant management is offered to treat IUGR with only maternal and foetal surveillance. The expectant management includes nonspecific interventions like rest, stopping work etc. Recently Sildenafil citrate has been shown to increase uterine blood flow and potentiate oestrogen induced vasodilation. The magnitude of the problem is much more in developing countries like India. The internationally recommended IUGR if >20%, invites urgent interventions to prevent it. Objective of present study was to assess the effect of sildenafil citrate on the neonatal outcomes as regarding neonatal ICU admission and birth weight of growth restricted foetuses.