Antepartum intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in refractory pemphigoid gestationis: case report and literature review.
BACKGROUND
pemphigoid gestationis is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting pregnant women. Treatment often consists of topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and oral prednisone followed by immunosuppressants. Refractory cases in antepartum patients present a particular therapeutic challenge as the majority of second-line agents are contraindicated until the patient has delivered.


OBJECTIVE
the following report describes the case of a 34-year-old woman pregnant for the third time at 16 weeks' gestation. Her previous two pregnancies were complicated by pemphigoid gestationis but were successfully managed with oral prednisone and topical agents. During her third pregnancy, the initial lesions were controlled with oral prednisone, but attempts to decrease her dose resulted in disease flare.


CONCLUSIONS
monthly infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin (40 g intravenously for 3 consecutive days for 120 g total) proved to be successful in reducing the dose of oral prednisone required to maintain disease remission. A healthy baby was delivered at 37.5 weeks.
Doiron
Philip
P
Mivhael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, hamilton, ON. philip.doiron@medportal.ca
Pratt
Melanie
M
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006559:Pemphigoid Gestationis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D019233:Retreatment
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011241:Prednisone