DEXAMETHASONE-INDUCED LEUKOCYTOSIS IN PREGNANCY

The effect of intramuscular dexamethasone administration in late pregn ancy on the maternal peripheral white cell count was examined in 20 wo men. 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 t hereafter. This 43% increase represented composite changes in the neut rophil and lymphocyte counts which, on average, increased by 62% and d ecreased by 22%, respectively. It is concluded that prenatal dexametha sone induces a significant neutrophilia on the first day following adm inistration. This information may be helpful when monitoring for infec tion.