Researchers from the University of Manchester have been investigating a possible treatment for fetal growth restriction (FGR) with Viagra. They urged caution on Viagra use for FGR.
Viagra contains sildenafil, a commonly prescribed erectile dysfunction drug, which enhances overall blood flow. The drug has been undergoing trials for a potential treatment for FGR; however, it has shown no improvement in fetal growth.
Instead, the researchers found that Viagra increased the blood pressure in the pups as they matured.
FGR is a condition in which a baby grows poorly in the womb. Babies with FGR are at increased risk of stillbirth. They are more likely to suffer from developmental issues, and heart disease and diabetes later in life.
Currently, there are no treatments available for FGR. The only viable option is to deliver the baby early so they can be taken care of outside the womb.
The current study, published in the American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology, is the first to report the long-term effects of Viagra on FGR.
Another trial on humans was conducted at the same time as the new study to determine the effects of Viagra on severe cases of human FGR, which also failed to show any significant benefit of the drug on FGR.
The trial had to be halted because 11 babies of mothers, who used the drug, died from lung complications.
The Manchester study found that more than 90 percent of mice whose mothers received Viagra during their pregnancy had a significant increase in their blood pressure. The study also found that female mice experienced mild weight gain after birth.
Study author Dr. Lewis Renshall said, “This, and other studies have shown Sildenafil – otherwise known as Viagra – may not be a suitable treatment for FGR unless life-saving benefits can be demonstrated. So there is still much work to do if we are to eventually find a treatment for this distressing condition.”
Lead study author Dr. Mark Dilworth said, “The evidence from this study and others suggest that caution should be used for the use of Viagra in fetal Growth Restriction. Our study suggests there may be long-term risks associated with its use in mice and importantly, there is a lack of beneficial effect in recent human clinical trials.” “We do feel, however, that it is important to continue to conduct studies which look at longer-term impacts of giving medication during pregnancy as there is surprisingly little research on this,” he added.
