Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the oral NO-donor PETN in secondary prevention of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth and preeclampsia in high risk pregnancies.
Study design: 111 women presenting with abnormal placental perfusion (bilateral notch or mean RI>0.7) at 19-24weeks of gestation were included in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. Primary endpoint was IUGR and/or perinatal death, secondary endpoints were preterm birth, preeclampsia and placental abruption.
Results: 54 women received PETN and 57 placebo. PETN significantly decreased the risk of IUGR and/or perinatal death (adjusted RR 0.623 [95% - CI: 0.395-0.983]). Preterm birth before 32weeks was reduced (adjusted RR 0.359 [95% - CI 0.123-1.054]) and no placental abruption occurred in the PETN, but 5 in the placebo group. There was no reduction of preeclampsia.
Conclusion: Significant reduction of adverse pregnancy outcome might be possible in pregnancies exhibiting abnormal placentation using PETN.
Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.