[Hormonal dynamics during pregnancy: critical discussion and clinical interpretations].
Can Med Assoc J, 1978/12/09;119(11):1307-9.
PMID: 153779
Impact factor: 16.859
Abstract
Although the clinical interpretation of its results varies greatly among perinatologists, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) loading test has become an integral part of fetal monitoring in many centres dealing with high-risk pregnancies. Currently four main metabolic responses to administration of DHEA-S to the mother are monitored to predict the functional state of the fetoplacental unit: the metabolic clearance of DHEA-S, the metabolic clearance of DHEA-S into estradiol, the conversion of DHEA-S into estradiol or esterol, and the increase in the plasma concentrations of DHEA and androstenedione after administration of DHEA-S. This article critically reviews each of these responses and its possible clinical interpretation, and assesses the clinical future of the DHEA-S loading test.
Keywords: Androgens; Biology; Dehydroepiandrosterone--analysis; Embryo; Endocrine System; Estradiol; Fetus; Hormones; Physiology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Reproduction
MeSH terms
Androstenedione; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Estetrol; Estradiol; Female; Humans; Placental Function Tests; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Sulfatases
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