Secondary autoimmune diseases in herpes gestationis (pemphigoid gestationis).
BACKGROUND
Herpes gestationis (HG) is an autoimmune disease of the skin that occurs exclusively in association with pregnancy (or trophoblastic disease). It is associated with the HLA-DR3 and -DR4 antigens that are also associated with several other autoimmune diseases. HG has previously been reported in association with Graves' disease.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine the frequency of other autoimmune disease(s) in patients with a history of HG.


METHODS
Seventy-five patients with a history of HG were studied for the frequency of other autoimmune diseases.


RESULTS
We found an increased frequency of Graves' disease in patients with a history of HG. Those with HG have an increased risk for the development of other autoantibodies. There is an increased frequency of autoimmune diseases in the family members of patients with HG.


CONCLUSIONS
Secondary autoimmune disease in HG is unusual, but does occur. The most frequent is Graves' disease.
Shornick
J K
JK
University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington.
Black
M M
MM
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015803:HLA-DR3 Antigen; D015804:HLA-DR4 Antigen; D006801:Humans; D006559:Pemphigoid Gestationis / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy
D001323:Autoantibodies; D015803:HLA-DR3 Antigen; D015804:HLA-DR4 Antigen