OC14.05: Effectiveness of pentoxifylline in severe early‐onset fetal growth restriction: a randomised double‐blinded clinical trial

Management of pregnancy complicated by severe early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the most challenging obstetrical issues. So far, there has not been a proven option for the treatment or improvement of this condition. Improper immune response during placentation leads to inadequate trophoblast invasion and impaired utero-placental perfusion. Pentoxifylline improves the endothelial function and induces vasodilation by reducing the inflammatory-mediated cytokines. We have evaluated the effect of Pentoxifylline on fetal-placental perfusion, neonatal outcome, and the level of oxidative stress markers before and after the intervention in the setting of severe early-onset FGR. This study is a pilot randomised clinical trial on 40pregnant women who had developed early-onset growth restricted fetus. Pentoxifylline and placebo were given with a dose of 400mg per os two times daily until delivery. Serial ultrasound examination regarding fetal weight, amniotic fluid and also utero-placenta-fetal Doppler's were done. For the assessment of serum Antioxidant level, blood sampling was done once at the beginning of the study and again, at least, three weeks after the investigation. After delivery, umbilical-cord blood gas analysis, APGAR score at1 and5min, NICU admission, and neonatal death were recorded and compared between the two groups. Fetal weight gain was significantly higher in the Pentoxifylline group before (996.3 ± 317.41) and after (1616.89 ± 527.90) treatment(P = 0.002). Total serum antioxidant capacity significantly increased in the Pentoxifylline group(p < 0.036). Average 5 min Apgar score was significantly higher (P < 0.036) and the percentage of babies admitted to NICU was significantly lower (P < 0.030) in the treated group. Using Pentoxifylline in pregnancy affected by FGR might show promising effects. In this study, Pentoxifylline improved the neonatal outcome, increased fetal weight gain, and reduced neonatal mortality by decreasing the level of oxidative stress markers and cutting down the inflammatory cascade.