The possible prognostic value of serum prolactin increment during pregnancy in hyperprolactinaemic patients

In 15 hyperprolactinaemic, infertile patients achieving 17 bromocriptine-induced pregnancies, the presence or absence of prolactin (Prl) increment in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy was correlated to the basal Prl levels before treatment and after pregnancy. The hyperprolactinaemic patients revealed a marked heterogeneity in the Prl increment compared to normal women. Five patients showed a pronounced increase in serum Prl during gestation, whereas Prl levels were unaltered or decreased slightly in 10 patients. In the latter group of patients serum Prl was significantly (P less than 0.01) lower after pregnancy than before treatment. Our study indicates that some hyperprolactinaemic patients may benefit from a pregnancy, and that these patients probably can be identified, as they do not show any significant changes in Prl levels during pregnancy.