Oral Nifedipine or Nifedipine Plus Sildenafil Citrate for Managing High-Risk Preterm Labor Cases

Preterm birth is a significant issue in developing countries, causing neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. In southern India, the prevalence of preterm delivery is 5-8%. To prevent preterm birth, interventions are crucial. 

Tocolytic therapy can delay threatened preterm labor, allowing the patient to be transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or receive corticosteroids to prevent or treat respiratory issues.

A recent study assessed the effectiveness of nifedipine alone and in combination with sildenafil citrate in managing threatened preterm labor cases and evaluated maternal and perinatal outcomes. The study involved 60 subjects, 30 in each group – Group A (Nifedipine) and Group B (Sildenafil +Nifedipine). 

The results showed that combining sildenafil citrate and nifedipine was more effective in preventing preterm labor than nifedipine alone. Maternal side effects and perinatal outcomes were more favorable in the combination group.

Hence, it was inferred that the synergistic effect of sildenafil citrate and nifedipine is beneficial in managing threatened preterm labor.

Source: Sigh S, Sheela S R. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res. 2023;10(3):313-319