Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy: epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological study of 18 cases from Lebanon

Updates on the dermatopathology of pregnancy-associated skin conditions

Pathologists provide valuable input in the dermatological care of pregnant patients in various contexts. This article provides dermatopathology updates on cutaneous changes associated with pregnancy, organized based on the following classification system: physiological skin changes in pregnancy, specific dermatoses of pregnancy, dermatoses modified in pregnancy, and skin neoplasms in pregnancy. Awareness of the impact of pregnancy on the skin by pathologists is important, as this is an opportunity to contribute to diagnostic precision in this patient population.

Diagnostic Pitfall in Atypical Febrile Presentation in a Patient with a Pregnancy-Specific Dermatosis—Case Report and Literature Review

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy in primiparous women. It is a self-limiting inflammatory disorder with a still unknown pathogenic mechanism. The abdominal wall overdistension, with a subsequent inflammatory response due to damage to the connective tissue, represents a pathogenesis explanation. Clinical features involve intensely pruritic urticarial rash with edematous, erythematous papules and plaques. The clinical picture and dermal biopsy establish the diagnosis. Topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines are usually sufficient, but sometimes systemic corticosteroids are necessary. Maternal and fetal prognosis is excellent, and the lesions resolve after birth with no scarring or pigmentary change. We present a case of a 36-year-old patient with a 32-week pregnancy who was admitted with a generalized pruritic rash accompanied by fever. The final diagnosis was decided after multiple pathology exclusions. Treatment consisted of systemic corticoid therapy. The patient gave birth by cesarean section to a healthy newborn without dermatological lesions or other conditions. Adding more PUPPP cases to the literature portfolio will bring more awareness to this under-recognized and under-reported skin disorder. We trust this case will encourage other physicians to publish more cases of pregnancy-specific dermatoses.

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.

Prolonged luteal phase support with progesterone may increase papules and plaques of pregnancy frequency in pregnancies through in vitro fertilization

Background

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy development may have a strong relationship with hormone treatments during in vitro fertilization and hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the frequency of papules and plaques of pregnancy and related factors in in vitro fertilization pregnancies and spontaneous pregnancies.

Methods

In this study, 517 in vitro fertilization pregnancies and 1253 spontaneous pregnancies were retrospectively reviewed for papules and plaques of pregnancy frequency. The diagnosis of papules and plaques of pregnancy was performed by referral to the dermatology department and according to the typical clinical manifestations of the disease.

Results

The papules and plaques of pregnancy was more common in all in vitro fertilization pregnancies (including single pregnancies) than in spontaneous pregnancies. Age, Rh positivity, mother weight gain, onset of disease during gestation, duration of disease, birth weight and the frequency of male fetus were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). The rate of multiple pregnancies was higher in in vitro fertilization pregnancies with papules and plaques of pregnancy than in vitro fertilization pregnancies without papules and plaques of pregnancy (p < 0.001). Duration of progesterone treatment was also significantly longer in in vitro fertilization pregnancies with papules and plaques of pregnancy compared to in vitro fertilization pregnancies without papules and plaques of pregnancy (p < 0.001).

Study limitations

The limitations of the study were the retrospective and single-centered design.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that increased progesterone dosage or prolonged treatment may play a role in the pathogenesis papules and plaques of pregnancy.

Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes in Triplet Pregnancies: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis

Background: Over the last decades, there has been a substantial increase in the incidence of higher-order multiple gestations. Twin pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The literature on GDM rates in triplet pregnancies is scarce. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to assess the prevalence of GDM in women with a triplet pregnancy. GDM was defined through an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A meta-analysis of GDM prevalence was also carried out. Results: A cohort of 60 women was included in the analysis. Of these, 19 (31.7%) were diagnosed with GDM. There were no differences in pregnancy outcomes between women with and without GDM. In the meta-analysis of 12 studies, which used a sound GDM definition, an estimated pooled prevalence of 12.4% (95% confidence interval: 6.9–19.1%) was found. In a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis, the estimated GDM prevalence ranged from 10.7% to 14.1%. Conclusion: The rate of GDM seems increased in women with triplets compared to singleton pregnancies. However, GDM did not impact short-term pregnancy outcomes.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Zika in Peru

This article aims to describe the cutaneous manifestations observed in the Zika epidemic in Peru during 2016 and 2017, as well as discuss the potential differential diagnoses. During the outbreak, the main reason for seeking medical advice was the development of a pruriginous maculopapular rash with a marked papular component, which started on the chest and later generalized to the rest of the body. Similar manifestations were noted in adults, children, and pregnant women. Other manifestations such as conjunctivitis, edema, or petechiae on the palate were rare. We suggest that in areas that are endemic for arboviral infections, in the differential diagnosis of a rash one must consider infections such as dengue, Zika, or chikungunya viruses. In nonendemic areas, the diagnosis is more difficult, as the rash may result from other viral infections not transmitted by arthropods and/or reactive or inflammatory diseases (urticaria, atopic dermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus). We recommend that primary care health personnel are trained in the recognition of the mucocutaneous lesions caused by Zika virus infection, which could contribute to the identification of suspicious cases, particularly pregnant women.

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy in Mexico

BACKGROUND

Currently, the exact incidence of Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP) in the Mexican population is unknown. PEP tends to manifest in the abdomen, primarily in the stretch marks caused by distension. It is characterized by severely pruritic urticarial-like papules that converge in plaques, extending to the buttocks and proximal thighs. Our study determined its incidence, along with other common dermatoses in pregnancy.

METHODS

Patients between 14 and 45 years of age were evaluated. In each patient, a complete medical history and physical examination was performed with emphasis on skin and adnexa. Patients were followed until the end of their pregnancy.

RESULTS

A total of 217 women were included. PEP was identified in three patients (1.38%), all primigravida, with single fetus pregnancy, and all concluded their pregnancy by vaginal delivery. The neonates were 2 females and 1 male. No other gestational pathologies were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a higher incidence of PEP than reported, without association to complications or need for medical management. There may be an association between high maternal weight and the presence of PEP, however a larger sample is needed.

Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy Occurring Postpartum Treated with Intramuscular Injection of Autologous Whole Blood

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is one of the most common diseases associated with pregnancy. In most cases, the skin lesions develop in the third trimester of primigravidas. There are no systemic alterations seen in PUPPP; however, most patients report severe pruritus. A 34-year-old woman presented 1 week postpartum with typical clinical features of PUPPP. The patient showed good response to intramuscular injection of autologous whole blood with no adverse effects to the patient or her baby. Presentation of PUPPP in the postpartum period is rare. Conservative management with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines is commonly used to relieve pruritus. In severe cases, skin lesions and symptoms are controlled with a brief course of systemic corticosteroids. Investigation of new treatment options has been limited by patient concerns about the negative effects of medication on the fetus or breastfeeding. Intramuscular injection of autologous whole blood could be an alternative treatment option for PUPPP, especially for women who worry about the use of medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Allergic diseases and asthma in pregnancy, a secondary publication

Every fifth pregnant woman is affected by allergies, especially rhinitis and asthma. Allergic symptoms existing before pregnancy may be either attenuated, or equally often promoted through pregnancy. Optimal allergy and asthma diagnosis and management during pregnancy is vital to ensure the welfare of mother and baby. For allergy diagnosis in pregnancy, preferentially anamnestic investigation as well as in vitro testing should be applied, whereas skin testing or provocation tests should be postponed until after birth. Pregnant women with confirmed allergy should avoid exposure to, or consumption of the offending allergen. Allergen immunotherapy should not be initiated during pregnancy. In patients on immunotherapy since before pregnancy, maintenance treatment may be continued, but the allergen dose should not be increased further. Applicable medications for asthma, rhinitis or skin symptoms in pregnancy are discussed and listed. In conclusion, i) allergies in pregnancy should preferentially be diagnosed in vitro; ii) AIT may be continued, but not started, and symptomatic medications must be carefully selected; iii) management of asthma and allergic diseases is important during pregnancy for welfare of mother and child.

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy: Review of literature

Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP) is one of the most common dermatosis related to pregnancy. PEP usually consists of pruritic papules and plaques appearing in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is more common in primigravidae and twin pregnancies. Although not associated with poorer foetal or maternal outcomes, it may be hard for pregnant women to endure. The diagnosis is easy if suspected, though sometimes it may be hard to distinguish from other dermatosis such as atopic eczema of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis or dermatitis. Topical treatment with emollients and low-medium potency steroids is usually effective but systemic steroid treatment may be required. PEP is self-limiting and resolves days or weeks after the first appearance or after delivery. In this article, the authors aim to review the literature published from 2000 onwards regarding the subject, either in English or Portuguese.

Skin disease in pregnancy

Skin manifestations during pregnancy are common and diversified. This review will focus on the most important entities to be recognized by obstetricians. These are, on the one hand, physiological changes, where unnecessary investigations should be avoided, and on the other, the specific dermatoses of pregnancy. These develop electively in pregnancy, and they are currently grouped into three disorders: polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, atopic eczema of pregnancy, and pemphigoid gestationis. Arguments for recognition of these are presented including detection of anti-BP180 antibodies. Follow-up and treatment depend on the precise diagnosis. Risks in fetal prognosis may occur in rare pemphigoid gestationis cases.

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy presented with targetoid lesions: a report of two cases

Background

Skin lesions in pregnant women could be caused by physiologic or pathologic changes. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), which manifests as various types of skin lesions, is the most common pregnancy dermatosis. Thus, PEP could mimic other skin diseases related to unfavorable maternal and fetal outcomes.

Main Observations

Two PEP patients with targetoid lesions are presented here. One of them was a primigravida, whereas the other was a secundigravida. Both patients had singleton pregnancies and skin rash which started during the third trimester. The lesions began on the abdomen and then spread to the trunk and extremities. The face, palms, soles, and mucosa were not affected. Pruritus was observed but no other systemic symptoms were reported. Both patients delivered healthy, term infants without complications.

Conclusion

Targetoid lesions in PEP are an uncommon presentation, and the differential diagnosis of PEP along with other dermatoses should be considered. However, the prognosis for this type of PEP is not different from that for classic PEP.