Int J Environ Res Public Health
. 2022 Sep 6;19(18):11207.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph191811207. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36141480/
Sildenafil during the 2nd and 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy: Trials and Tribulations
Felix Rafael De Bie 1, David Basurto 1, Sailesh Kumar 2, Jan Deprest 1 3, Francesca Maria Russo 1 3
Affiliations expand
- PMID: 36141480
- PMCID: PMC9517616
- DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811207
Free PMC article
Abstract
Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor with a vasodilatory and anti-remodeling effect, has been investigated concerning various conditions during pregnancy. Per indication, we herein review the rationale and the most relevant experimental and clinical studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, when available. Indications for using sildenafil during the second and third trimester of pregnancy include maternal pulmonary hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, fetal distress, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. For most indications, the rationale for administering prenatal sildenafil is based on limited, equivocal data from in vitro studies and rodent disease models. Clinical studies report mild maternal side effects and suggest good fetal tolerance and safety depending on the underlying pathology.
Keywords: 2nd- and 3rd-trimester pregnancy; congenital diaphragmatic hernia; fetal distress; fetal growth restriction; fetal therapy; oligohydramnios; preeclampsia; preterm labor; pulmonary arterial hypertension; sildenafil citrate.
