title: Dexamethasone-induced leucocytosis in pregnancy.
abstract: The effect of intramuscular dexamethasone administration in late pregnancy on the maternal peripheral white cell count was examined in 20 women. The mean total white cell count increased from a baseline of 11.3 x 10(9)/L (SD 2.3) to 16.2 x 10(9)/L (SD 4.6) on day 1, normalising thereafter. This 43% increase represented composite changes in the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts which, on average, increased by 62% and decreased by 22%, respectively. It is concluded that prenatal dexamethasone induces a significant neutrophilia on the first day following administration. This information may be helpful when monitoring for infection.
authors.affiliation: Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Denison
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007964:Leukocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone