Pregnancy outcomes following the administration of high doses of dexamethasone in early pregnancy

Abstract

ObjectiveIn the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of high doses of dexamethasone (DEX) in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes.MethodsPregnant BALB/c mice were treated with high-dose DEX in the experimental group or saline in the control group on gestational days (GDs) 0.5 to 4.5. Pregnant mice were sacrificed on GDs 7.5, 13.5, or 18.5 and their peripheral blood, placentas, fetuses, and uterine tissue were collected. Decidual and placenta cell supernatants were examined to evaluate the effect of DEX on the proliferation of mononuclear cells, the quantity of uterine macrophages and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, and levels of progesterone and 17β-estradiol, as determined by an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We also were measured fetal and placental growth parameters on GD 18.5.ResultsWe found that high doses of DEX were associated with an increased abortion rate, enhancement of the immunosuppressive effect of the decidua, alterations in placental growth parameters, decreased progesterone and 17β-estradiol levels, and a reduced frequency of macrophages and uNK cells.ConclusionOur data suggest that the high-dose administration of DEX during early pregnancy negatively affected pregnancy outcomes.

Influence of Dexamethasone on Some Reproductive Hormones and Uterine Progesterone Receptor Localization in Pregnant Yankasa Sheep in Semiarid Zones of Nigeria

“…The decreased progesterone concentration observed in this study is similar to that reported by Ahmadabad et al [ 43 ] in pregnant mice treated with dexamethasone, but Gale [ 44 ] and Ohrlander et al [ 45 ] who worked with dexamethasone to induce foetal lung maturation in human did not observe any alteration in the plasma concentrations of progesterone. In the present study, dexamethasone treatment did not alter circulating estrogen level during pregnancy in the Yankasa sheep although Ohrlander et al [ 45 ] previously reported suppression of estrogen production in pregnant women by dexamethasone.…”

Impaired inflammatory state of the endometrium: a multifaceted approach to endometrial inflammation. Current insights and future directions

“…Positive live birth outcomes in unexplained infertility and idiopathic recurrent miscarriage were obtained with low (or medium) dose of dexamethasone, prednisolone or prednisone, yet with low evidence level [ 67 , 132 , 134 , 135 ]. Nevertheless, many adverse maternal and fetal effects were reported in the studies where corticosteroids were administered at high doses [ 45 , 136 ]. Moreover, other molecules need to be assessed such as non-steroid-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whose prolonged prescription could oppose to follicle rupture though [ 137 ].…”

Effect of dexamethasone and Velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense) Fruit Pulp supplementation on maternal serum steroid concentration in Wistar rats

“…Estradiol and progesterone levels were not significantly different in all groups. However, Ahmadabad et al (2016) had earlier reported a decrease in progesterone levels in pregnant mice treated with dexamethasone. Supplementation with Dialium guineense fruit pulp increased both LH, FSH and testosterone levels when compared to the pregnant control group.…”