ANTENATAL DEXAMETHASONE THERAPY DOES NOT AFFECT CIRCULATING CONCENTRATIONS OF INSULIN-LIKE-GROWTH-FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN-1

In animals, dexamethasone administration during pregnancy leads to fet al growth restriction due to enhanced expression of insulin-like growt h factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1). In humans, there is also a signi ficant inverse correlation between maternal and fetal concentrations o f IGFBP-1 and birth weight, During pregnancy, maternal IGFBP-1 is deri ved from the decidualized endometrium, We have studied the effect of d examethasone on circulating concentrations of IGFBP-1 in 12 pregnant w omen who received dexamethasone therapy for fetal lung maturation in a nticipation of premature delivery before 34 completed weeks of gestati on. Blood samples were collected before dexamethasone administration, at 24 h and 48 h after the course of dexamethasone, and within 24 h of delivery, for the measurement of IGFBP-1, There was no significant ch ange in plasma IGFBP-1 concentrations at 24 and 48 h following dexamet hasone therapy, and at delivery (P = 0,666, 0.307 and 0,398, respectiv ely), Therefore, antenatal dexamethasone therapy does not influence de cidual synthesis of IGFBP-1.