Neonatal leukocytosis associated with prenatal administration of dexamethasone

Prophylactic induction of fetal surfactant through maternal steroid administration in early premature labor is becoming accepted clinical practice. This article describes an 840-gm, 27 weeks' gestation male infant, who had a profound, apparently benign, leukocytosis persisting throughout the first week of life following maternal dexamethasone administration.