[Sildenafil--for treatment of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction].

Pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are responsible for approximately 15-20% of serious maternal and neonatal diseases. These complications are related to very early anomalies of the uteroplacental circulation, accompanied, at least secondarily, by thromboxane-prostacyclin-related imbalances. Studies have failed to show a beneficial effect of betamimetics and calcium channel blockers for the treatment of IUGR. Sildenafil citrate, a type 5-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, augments the vasodilatory effects of NO by preventing the degradation of cGMP There is a selective effect of Sildenafil on the uteroplacental circulation. Sildenafil improves uterine artery blood flow.