Sildenafil during the 2nd and 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy: Trials and Tribulations

Felix Rafael De Bie, David Basurto, Sailesh Kumar, Jan Deprest and Francesca Maria Russo ()
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Felix Rafael De Bie: Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
David Basurto: Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Sailesh Kumar: Mater Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4343, Australia
Jan Deprest: Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Francesca Maria Russo: Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 18, 1-15

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: sildenafil citrate; 2nd- and 3rd-trimester pregnancy; fetal therapy; pulmonary arterial hypertension; preeclampsia; preterm labor; fetal distress; oligohydramnios; fetal growth restriction; congenital diaphragmatic hernia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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