title: Clinical experience in pemphigoid gestationis: report of 10 cases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Luis A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.forename: Ryan B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Lundell
authors.forename: Patricia K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.forename: Lawrence E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones