A Comparative Study between Nifedipine and Sildenafil Citrate for Management of Threatened Preterm Labor

Preterm labor (PTL) refers to any delivery that occurs after 24 weeks and before 37 weeks. In preterm labor , the efficacy of tocolytic drugs has been proven to prolong pregnancy. Aim; the aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nifedipine alone, sildenafil citrate alone and combination of both in management of threatened preterm labor. Patients and methods; this research was carried out at El-Minia University Hospital. A total of 150 patients included. Patients were pregnant with gestational GA ranged between 24 and 36 weeks. They were divided into 3 groups: (Group A): 50 patients got nifedipine tablets orally, (Group B): 50 patients got sildenafil citrate 25 mg at eight hours interval, (Group C): 50 patients got nifedipine tablets 20 mg orally followed by 10-20 mg 3 to 4 times daily in combination with oral administration of sildenafil citrate 25 mg at eight hours interval. Results; Uterine contraction were significantly decreased in the group that received both nifedipene& sildenafil medications than those who received nifedipine only and sildenafil only.Conclusion; this study gives optimism that the combination of sildenafil citrate and nifedipine is better to nifedipine alone or sildenafil alone in reducing established preterm labor.Established preterm labor was delayed and the need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was decreased by the use of sildenafil in addition to nifedipine, which prolongs the duration of tocolysis. Keyword; Nifedipine; Preterm labour; sildenafil citrate; threatened preterm labour