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Serum prolactin in normal and pathologic pregnancy
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 1, 1977
Summary
Serum prolactin (PRL) levels increase during pregnancy, correlating with urine estriol. However, prolactin levels are not significantly altered in most complicated pregnancies, suggesting limited diagnostic value for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Serum prolactin (PRL) levels naturally rise during pregnancy.
- Understanding PRL dynamics is crucial for monitoring gestational health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum prolactin (PRL) levels in normal and complicated pregnancies.
- To assess the correlation between serum PRL and 24-hour urine estriol.
- To evaluate the utility of PRL measurements in diagnosing pathological pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Serum prolactin levels were measured in pregnant women.
- 24-hour urine estriol levels were determined.
- Correlation and regression analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Serum prolactin increased progressively from week 12 to term in normal pregnancy (50-270 ng/ml).
- A moderate correlation (r=0.7) was observed between serum prolactin and urine estriol.
- Regression lines for intrauterine growth retardation and diabetes mellitus were less steep than normal.
- Serum prolactin levels did not significantly differ in preeclamptic toxemia, latent diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, or multiple pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Serum prolactin monitoring is not a useful diagnostic aid for most pathological pregnancies.
- PRL levels are a reliable indicator of normal pregnancy progression.
- Further research may explore specific niche applications for prolactin in obstetrics.