Serum levels of the "pregnancy-zone protein" during short-term prenatal dexamethasone therapy

The serum concentrations of the "Pregnancy Zone Protein" (PZP) was followed in 5 patients treated with dexamethasone (12 mg per day for 1 week) in the third trimester of pregnancy. The serum concentration of PZP was found to decrease significantly to an average of 58 per cent of the pretreatment levels. The simultaneous change in serum estriol levels during treatment and other factors of possible importance for the serum concentration of PZP are discussed.