Clinical experience in pemphigoid gestationis: report of 10 cases.
BACKGROUND
Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare autoimmune blistering disease that occurs during pregnancy.


OBJECTIVE
This study reviewed our clinical experience with pemphigoid gestationis.


METHODS
We reviewed medical records of 10 patients with pemphigoid gestationis seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between 1976 and 2004.


RESULTS
Urticarial papules were the most frequent clinical presentation followed by blisters and rash. Pruritus was the cardinal symptom. Lesions presented initially on the legs, thighs, back, and chest. Direct immunofluorescence had the highest diagnostic test sensitivity. Systemic corticosteroids were the mainstay of treatment. Fetal and maternal outcome was good in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
This was a retrospective, single-institution study.


CONCLUSIONS
This condition can be easily confused with other dermatoses of pregnancy, for example, pruritic urticarial papules of pregnancy. Biopsy for direct immunofluorescence is the preferred test for confirmation of diagnosis. On the basis of good patient outcomes, conservative treatment seems warranted.
Castro
Luis A
LA
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Lundell
Ryan B
RB
Krause
Patricia K
PK
Gibson
Lawrence E
LE
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001768:Blister / Q000209:etiology*; D005076:Exanthema / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D006559:Pemphigoid Gestationis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones