Pentaerithrityl Tetranitrate (PETN) for Secondary Prevention of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Approximately 10% of all pregnancies experience mal perfusion of the placenta resulting in fetal growth restriction (FGR) of the fetus. FGR is the most important cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Impaired placental function determined by insufficient transformation of the uterine arteries and mal-perfusion of the placenta is the leading cause of FGR. So far, there is no treatment option for pregnancies complicated by FGR and the clinical management is restricted to close monitoring, assessing for the optimal time point of delivery of the fetus threatened by intrauterine death. In a pilot study a risk reduction of 38% for the development of severe FGR and FGR or death could be demonstrated by giving the organic nitrate pentaerithrityl-tetranitrate (PETN) to patients recognized at risk for FGR by impaired uterine artery Doppler at mid gestation (Schleussner, 2014). To confirm these results this prospective randomized placebo controlled double-blinded multicentre trial, was initiated.

Affecting approximately 10% of pregnancies, fetal growth restriction (FGR), is the most important cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Impaired placental function determined by insufficient transformation of the uterine arteries and mal-perfusion of the placenta is the leading cause of FGR. So far, there is no treatment option for pregnancy complicated by FGR and the clinical management is restricted to close monitoring, assessing for the optimal time point of delivering the fetus threatened by intrauterine death. In a prospective randomized controlled trial a risk reduction of 38% (relative risk RR=0.609, 95% CI 0.367 to 1.011) for the development of IUGR and IUGR or death (RR=0.615, 95% CI 0.378 to 1.000) could be demonstrated by delivering the organic nitrate pentaerithrityl-tetranitrate (PETN) to patients recognized at risk for FGR by impaired uterine artery Doppler at mid gestation (Schleussner, 2014). To confirm these results a prospective randomized placebo controlled double-blinded multicentre trial was now initiated. Eligible patients are pregnant women at risk of developing FGR meeting the inclusion criteria: abnormal uterine artery Doppler ultrasound, defined by a mean PI exceeding 1.6, singleton pregnancy, informed consent and 19+0 to 22+6 weeks of gestation. The composite endpoint of severe FGR (\< birth weight below the 3rd centile) and intrauterine or neonatal death was defined as primary efficacy endpoint. and perinatal death. Key secondary endpoints are development of FGR (defined by birth weight \< 10th percentile), severe FGR (\< birth weight below the 3rd centile), intrauterine or neonatal death, placental abruption and preterm birth.