The Maternal and Fetal Adrenal Effect of 1 cycle Dexamethasone on women with Preterm Labor.
- Author:
Jong Pil KIM
1
;
Dae Hun LIM
;
Hyun Mi KIM
;
U Chul KIM
;
Jeong Rye LEE
;
Ji Young LEE
;
Seung Kwon KO
;
Mun Hwan LIM
;
Woo Young LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inha Hospital.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Preterm labor;
Dexamethasone;
ACTH stimulation test;
Adrenal suppression
- MeSH:
Adrenal Insufficiency;
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone;
Dexamethasone*;
Female;
Humans;
Hydrocortisone;
Obstetric Labor, Premature*;
Pregnancy
- From:Korean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
2002;45(2):273-277
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether 1 cycle of dexamethasone administration to women at risk of preterm delivery causes adrenal suppression METHODS: Nonpregnant ten control subjects were checked baseline cortisol and stimulated cortisol level after low-dose (1 microgram) ACTH stimulation test. Ten women at risk of preterm delivery had two weekly low-dose (1 microgram) ACTH stimulation tests with the first one at admission. Immediately after the first ACTH stimulation test, we gave each women a 5 mg dexamethasone dose intramuscularly and repeated it 12 hours later for two days. Serum cortisol levels were measured before (baseline) and 30 minutes after ACTH administration. RESULTS: All ten subjects had normal baseline and stimulated cortisol levels for the first ACTH stimulation test. The adrenal suppressed Group was composed of 5 patients. But the remainders was not suppressed. Mean baseline serum cortisol levels decreased from 38.52 microgram/dL (before dexamethasone) to 33.26 microgram/dL (1 week after 1 cycle of dexamethasone) in adrenal suppressed Group. The mean stimulated cortisol levels also decreased from 46.40 microgram/dL (before dexamethasone) to 45.02 microgram/dL (1 week after 1 cycle of dexamethasone) in adrenal suppressed Group. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal administration of 1 cycle dexamethasone produced slightly adrenal suppression, but no adrenal insufficiency, in some women at risk of preterm delivery and may be harmless to maternal and fetal adrenal function.
