Do antenatal steroids cause an increase in the white blood cell (WBC) count?
Yes. Antenatal betamethasone or dexamethasone therapy commonly causes a transient increase in the maternal white blood cell count.
Studies show that the mean WBC increases by approximately 30% within 24 hours of the first steroid dose. A rapid rise in neutrophils and a drop in lymphocytes can be seen as early as 2 hours after injection.
In most patients, the WBC count returns to baseline by day 3 following initiation of betamethasone or dexamethasone therapy.
References ▼1. Danesh A, et al. Effects of antenatal corticosteroids on maternal serum indicators of infection: randomized trial comparing betamethasone and dexamethasone. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(10):911–7. PMID:23825988
2. Vaisbuch E, et al. Effect of betamethasone administration to pregnant women on maternal serum indicators of infection. J Perinat Med. 2002;30(4):287–91. PMID:12235715
3. Kadanali S, et al. Changes in leukocyte, granulocyte and lymphocyte counts following antenatal betamethasone. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1997;58(3):269–74. PMID:9286859
4. Wallace EM, et al. Hematological effects of betamethasone treatment in late pregnancy. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 1998;38(4):396–8. PMID:9890217