Prednisolone: Safe Dose

nicolettc

15 Posts
Reply Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 at 7:51pm
Dear Dr Braverman,

In your previous posts you suggested:

Prednisone does not cross the placenta in large amounts until later in the second trimester , when the enzyme that normally breaks it down and prevents if from crossing the placenta to the baby is no longer active. Large amounts of prednisone crossing the placenta can cause other issues including toxemia.

Most of our thinking is that once the plecanta is well formed the immune system does not pose as much of a threat. There are certain cases where we have continued IVIG when we thought there might be a risk later in the pregnancy due to elevated immune parameters and a history of a late loss or complication.

Is there a so called 'safe dose' for Prednisolone i.e. 10mg, 20mg if it does cross the placenta? What is considered 'large amount'?

Thank you Dr.
Regards, Nicole

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
RE: Prednisolone: Safe Dose Posted on: Nov 30, 2012 at 6:15am
so much depends on the clinical history and when the prednisone was started. A short course in the third trimester for medical conditions many times is not an issue. But certainly 10mg or even 20mg I do not consider high dose, again all of this must be at the discretion of the doctor caring for you and there must be a good indication if it is going to be started or continued in the 3rd Trimester. Benefit must outweigh the risk.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.