Reduced maternal corticosteroid-binding globulin and cortisol levels in pre-eclampsia and gamete recipient pregnancies

Summary Objective To measure and contrast maternal cortisol and corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) levels in pregnancies with normal outcomes, pre‐eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and in gamete recipients. Study design Prospective study of 93 women at high risk of pre‐eclampsia, including gamete recipients (n = 22) and 33 controls. Plasma total and free cortisol and CBG were measured every 2 weeks from 16 weeks’ gestation until delivery. Results Forty‐two per cent of the high‐risk group had complications, including pre‐eclampsia (n = 11), gestational hypertension (n = 16) and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates (n = 12). There were no complications in the controls. In all groups, plasma CBG concentrations increased progressively across gestation (P