title: Herpes Gestationis after Ovodonation: Is Placenta the only Target of the Immune Reaction?
abstract: Herpes Gestationis (HG) is an autoimmune disorder that rarely complicates pregnancy. Its pathogenesis has not been clarified yet, as it derives from a complex interplay between immunologic, genetic, and hormonal factors. We present a case of HG occurring in a surrogate mother whose pregnancy was achieved via egg donation and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The disease appeared at 26 weeks and 6 days of gestation and subsequently worsened despite the administration of oral and topic corticosteroids. A healthy baby was delivered at 35 weeks and 2 days of gestation by elective cesarean section and the clinical manifestations resolved in the postpartum period.
authors.affiliation: Faculty, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara , Ferrara, Italy .
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Piva
authors.affiliation: Faculty, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara , Ferrara, Italy .
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lo Monte
authors.affiliation: Faculty, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara , Ferrara, Italy .
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Graziano
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara , Ferrara, Italy .
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marci
keywords: Autoimmunity; Dermatoses of pregnancy; Herpes gestationis; Ovodonation; Prurigo gestationis