Comparison between transdermal nitroglycerin and sildenafil citrate in intrauterine growth restriction: effects on uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility indices

Objectives To evaluate the effects of transdermal nitroglycerin (GTN) and sildenafil citrate on Doppler velocity waveforms of the uterine (UtA), umbilical (UA) and fetal middle cerebral (MCA) arteries in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods This was a prospective study of 35 singleton pregnancies (gestational age, 24–31 weeks) with IUGR and abnormal UtA and UA Doppler waveforms. We compared maternal arterial blood pressure and Z‐scores of the pulsatility index (PI) of UtA, UA and fetal MCA before and after application of a transdermal GTN patch (average dose, 0.4 mg/h), oral sildenafil citrate (50 mg) or placebo. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA for paired samples. Results There was a significant decrease in UtA‐PI after application of GTN (21.0%) and sildenafil citrate (20.4%). A significant reduction in UA‐PI was also observed for both GTN (19.1%) and sildenafil citrate (18.2%). There was no difference in UtA‐ and UA‐PI when the GTN and sildenafil groups were compared. No changes in Doppler velocimetry were observed in the placebo group and no significant change in MCA‐PI was observed in any group. Maternal arterial blood pressure decreased with administration of both GTN and sildenafil citrate in those with pre‐eclampsia. Conclusion The use of transdermal GTN or sildenafil citrate in pregnancies with IUGR is associated with a significant reduction in both UtA and UA Doppler PI, as well as maternal arterial blood pressure. Neither drug affected the MCA‐PI. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.