Abstract
Author(s): Agata Pardej, Marian GryboÅ, Janusz Kubicki, Andrzej Gamian, Wojciech Guzikowski
Introduction. Arginine is a nitric oxide donor with a potent dilatory effect on blood vessels. Nitric oxide improves placental blood circulation and, consequently, boosts the oxidation and nutrition of the fetus Arginine augments the release volume of the growth hormone. Its application is therefore justified in case of intrauterine fetal hypotrophy. Aim. The aim of the study has been to address the question of whether intrauterine hypotrophy treatment with L-arginine results in increased fetal body mass as well as neonatal welfare and body mass. Materials and methods. The group under study comprised 29 women in the III trimester of gestation with fetal hypotrophy who were subject to treatment with L-arginine. The treatment involved oral administration of L-arginine hydrochloride 3 times a day dosaged at 1g for the period of 1 to 5 weeks and a mean duration of 2 weeks. An ultrasonography of fetal biometric properties was conducted at the onset and upon completion of the treatment. The control group included 24 women in the III trimester of eutrophic gestation. Results. In 23 pregnancies of the group under examination a considerable fetal body mass gain was observed due to L-arginine therapy. 19 out of 29 pregnancies of the group under study were terminated in the delivery of eutrophic neonates while 10 – of hypotrophic neonates. The mean Apgar score in the group examined totaled 9, whereas in the control group - 9,8. Urodzi?o si? 86% noworodków w stanie dobrym i 14% w stanie ?rednim w grupie badanej. Conclusions. The administration of L-arginine medicinal products in fetal hypotrophy pregnancies resulted in a significant fetal body mass growth and was conducive to neonatal welfare. The efficacy of intrauterine fetal hypotrophy therapy by means of exogenous L- arginine shall be corroborated by further clinical studies conducted upon a greater number of pregnant women.