A resistant case of pemphigus gestationis successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin plus cyclosporine

Pruritus in Pregnancy

Pruritus in pregnancy is a common and burdensome symptom that may be a first sign of a pregnancy-specific pruritic disease (atopic eruption of pregnancy, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, and intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy) or a dermatosis coinciding with pregnancy by chance. Despite its high prevalence, pruritus is often underrated by physicians, and data regarding the safety profiles of drugs for pruritus are very limited. In this review, we illustrate the epidemiology, possible pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and diagnostic workup of various pregnancy-related diseases and discuss antipruritic treatments. The prevalence of pruritus in pregnancy demonstrates the importance of symptom recognition and the need for an holistic approach, taking into account both the potential benefits for the patient and the potential risks to the fetus.

Managing Pemphigoid Gestationis

Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is important to diagnose and treat because it carries considerable morbidity for the pregnant woman and can also constitute a risk to the fetus. Herein, the treatment options for PG and a proposed treatment algorithm for PG during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and late postpartum are reviewed.

Dermatology and Immunoglobulin Therapy: Who to Treat and How to Administer Immunoglobulins

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy has been used in immune deficiency diseases for more than 50 years. The indications for this treatment have evolved, however, and IVIG therapy is now used in various diseases in which the immune system plays a prominent role. IVIG therapy has carved out a niche in dermatology for the treatment of such conditions as dermatomyositis, autoimmune bullous diseases, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Special attention has been paid to this therapy in recent years. New guidelines have been published and should be taken into consideration in dermatology. This review provides a practical guide to IVIG use in our specialty.

A resistant case of pemphigus gestationis successfully treated with cyclosporine

Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease of pregnancy caused by antibasement membrane zone auto-antibodies. The usual clinical findings are multiple pruritic urticarial papules and plaques, target lesions, vesicles, and blisters that occur during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. The disease is often treated with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistaminics. In more severe cases, systemic corticosteroids are needed. Herein, we report a case of resistant PG that responded to treatment with cyclosporine.