Postpartum uveitis.
A review of the literature supports the concept that serum levels of corticosteroids are elevated during pregnancy. Even a concurrent increase in cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) does not entirely neutralize the increased levels of cortisol. Thus, body tissues are exposed to more free cortisol than in the nonpregnant state. After delivery there is a rapid reduction of serum corticosteroids to the nonpregnant level. A granulomatous disease such as sarcoidosis may be suppressed by the high serum cortisol level. In the puerperium with a reduction of the serum cortisol, exacerbation of such a disease is likely. The case presented demonstrates this phenomenon.
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007500:Iritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000209:etiology; D014605:Uveitis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006854:Hydrocortisone