Eczema in pregnancy

Maternal, Fetal, and Labour Outcomes of Dupilumab Use for Atopic Dermatitis During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic complex inflammatory disease that significantly impacts maternal well-being and quality of life during pregnancy, warranting effective therapeutic interventions that prioritize maternal health and fetal safety. Dupilumab is approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, but limited data exist regarding its safety during pregnancy. We conducted a systematic review to review and analyze maternal, fetal, and labour outcomes in patients receiving dupilumab for atopic dermatitis during pregnancy. Comprehensive searches were conducted using databases including OVID, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies published until May 2024. Our search yielded 285 studies, of which 13 met the eligibility criteria. These studies included 68 patients with 69 pregnancies, revealing 58 live births and 11 spontaneous abortions. Dupilumab therapy was administered continuously throughout pregnancy in 22.2% of cases, while 77.8% received intermittent treatment. Maternal atopic dermatitis outcomes showed significant improvement in disease severity. Most pregnancies (86.3%) progressed without complications. Labour-associated outcomes varied, with 82.4% of women undergoing vaginal deliveries. The majority of births occurred at full term (82.5%), with a mean gestational age of 38.4 weeks. Fetal outcomes demonstrated a normal birth weight in 92.3% of cases, with no reported congenital defects. Our review suggests that dupilumab use during pregnancy is associated with improvement of atopic dermatitis and low or minimal risk of major adverse outcomes in treated patients or their newborns. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm the safety of dupilumab in this population.

A Qualitative Exploration of the Impact, Management, and Existing Psychological Support Available for Adults Living with Skin Conditions

Skin conditions carry a significant physical, psychological, and social burden. People with skin conditions often engage in health-threatening behaviours that can worsen symptoms and increase cardiovascular disease risk. However, access to dedicated psychological and behaviour-change support is limited. The impact, management, and existing psychological support available to adults living with skin conditions was qualitatively explored to inform the development of a psychologically supportive digital intervention. Qualitative research involving a hybrid inductive- deductive approach was performed. Data collection and analysis were theoretically informed by the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation. Eight synchronous online group interviews with 43 English-speaking adults (≥ 18 years) with a range of skin conditions were conducted. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Three superordinate themes are outlined: (i) visibility underpinning life course impairment, (ii) seeking control amid uncertainty, and (iii) existing support for people with skin conditions. Skin conditions carry a substantial psychological burden, yet dermatology service provision is sub-optimal and patients often resort to seeking support from unreliable sources. Psychological support can have benefits, but barriers exist. This study reinforces the need for high-quality psychological support, and that patients wanted digital means to support effective self- management.

Nail lichen planus treatment safety

AREAS COVERED

Topical therapies for nail lichen planus (clobetasol propionate, topical tacrolimus, bath-PUVA), intralesional treatment (triamcinolone), and systemic treatment (corticosteroids, retinoids, small molecule inhibitors (jak/stat inhibitors)), TNF-alpha inhibitors (etanercept), systemic immunomodulators (oral calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mophetil), and antimalarials (chloroquine), each with unique safety profiles and considerations. Herein, we discuss common and uncommon adverse events, as well as utilization for special populations, including pregnant and pediatric patients.

Prescribing for pregnancy: chronic skin diseases

Chronic skin disease is common in women of reproductive age. Although skin can improve or remain stable during pregnancy, it is also common for existing conditions to flare and for new conditions to develop. A small number of medications used to control chronic skin disease can potentially have adverse effects on the outcome of the pregnancy. This article forms part of a series on prescribing for pregnancy and highlights the importance of achieving good control of the skin disease prior to conception and during pregnancy. It emphasises the need for patient-centred, open and informed discussions around medication options to achieve good control. During pregnancy and breastfeeding each patient should be treated as an individual in accordance with the medications that are appropriate for them, their preferences, and the severity of their skin disease. This should be done through collaborative working across primary care, dermatology and obstetric services.

Management of Allergic Skin Disorders in Pregnancy

The safe management of allergic skin disorders during pregnancy is essential to maternal and fetal health. Poorly controlled allergic skin disease affects the health of mother and child. This article reviews the disease course and treatment of atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and allergic contact dermatitis in pregnancy. It focuses on topical and systemic therapies in the context of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because disease activity may vary in pregnancy, prescription stewardship is imperative; a balance among disease control, minimum effective dosing, and medication safety profiles should be maintained. Secondary complications and risks to maternal or infant health should also be avoided.

Monoclonal Antibodies (Biologics) for Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, and Atopic Dermatitis During Pregnancy and Lactation

Asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and atopic dermatitis are common diseases that affect hundreds of thousands of pregnant women each year. The authors discuss the use of biologics in women who are pregnant or lactating, indications, available safety information, and knowledge gaps. There are pregnant patients for which standard treatment is either inadequate or contraindicated; in those cases, monoclonal antibodies (biologics) should be considered despite the unknown risk to the fetus. In severe asthma, omalizumab is the best studied with reassuring available safety data. Insufficient safety data exist on mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab, and tezepelumab use during pregnancy and lactation.

Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease of multiple phenotypes and endotypes, and is highly prevalent in children. Many people of all ages, including active adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly, suffer from AD, experiencing chronicity, flares, and unexpected relapse. Dexpanthenol has multiple pharmacological effects and has been employed to treat various skin disorders such as AD. We aimed to summarize the up-to-date evidence relating to dexpanthenol and to provide a consensus on how to use dexpanthenol effectively for the treatment of AD.

METHODS

The evidence to date on the application and efficacy of dexpanthenol in AD was reviewed. The literature search focused on dexpanthenol use and the improvement of skin barrier function, the prevention of acute flares, and its topical corticosteroid (TCS) sparing effects. Evidence and recommendations for special groups such as pregnant women, and the effects of dexpanthenol and emollient plus in maintenance therapy, were also summarized.

RESULTS

Dexpanthenol is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of AD. Dexpanthenol improves skin barrier function, reduces acute and frequent flares, has a significant TCS sparing effect, and enhances wound healing for skin lesions.

CONCLUSION

This review article provides helpful advice for clinicians and patients on the proper maintenance treatment of AD. Dexpanthenol, as an active ingredient in ointments or emollients, is suitable for the treatment and maintenance of AD. This paper will guide dermatologists and clinicians to consider dexpanthenol as a treatment option for mild to moderate AD.

Novel systemic treatments in atopic dermatitis: Are there sex differences?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease with a significant global disease burden. Several mechanisms underlie AD, such as epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation, which have led to innovative systemic treatment options. Other inflammatory disorders, as well as innate and adaptive immune responses, have noted sex differences, but our article highlights a paucity of data on the impact of sex, gender, and gender identity on the pathophysiology and systemic treatments of AD.

Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin immune-mediated inflammatory disease with a chronic-recurrent course. Acute exacerbations or flares are an integral part of the AD course and are generally defined as disease worsening, requiring escalation/intensification of treatment. Management of flares is crucial since their prevention is a key aim of long-term disease control. Nevertheless, difficulties related to this aspect are several, starting from the definition of flare itself, which is not always satisfactory or unambiguous, and needs clarification. Indeed, this hurdle may reduce clarity on treatment choice and generate difficulties when comparing data between studies. Deepening our knowledge on flares could be highly relevant to both clinicians and patients to provide adequate control of the disease through patient education and appropriate treatment. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the management of AD flares from definition to treatment, highlighting aspects that are still unclear, and identifying any necessary unmet needs to better manage AD.

Could Modifying the Skin Microbiome, Diet, and Lifestyle Help with the Adverse Skin Effects after Stopping Long-Term Topical Steroid Use?

We set up this preliminary study to begin to evaluate one main question: could strengthening the microbiome have potential benefits for the skin condition of patients suffering with adverse effects after stopping long-term topical steroid use? We aim to turn it into a much larger study if the results show the interventions might help. After commonly being prescribed for eczema, cessation of topical steroid use, especially after long periods of inappropriate use, can leave lasting adverse effects on the body and skin, known by some as topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). This preliminary study involved seven human participants suffering with skin problems associated with TSW who approached Dr. Anja Gijsberts-Veens of their own volition because they were interested in more natural recovery methods. Five completed the study in full. Progress in skin condition was tracked by self-assessed symptom severity questionnaires filled out at the beginning and end of the five-month study. The skin microbiome was addressed by using a 100% natural product shown in previous work to significantly increase skin microbiome biodiversity. Three participants implemented dietary changes and supplementation in response to guidance after fecal sample analysis, with the aim of improving gut microbiome health. The average improvement in skin symptoms for all participants was 40%, and average symptom improvement ranged from 14% for Patient 5 to 92% for Patient 1. On average, the participants saw an improvement in 85% of their symptoms and stagnation or regression in 11% and 4%, respectively. Our results suggest that the interventions used might improve the skin condition of TSW patients, but the small sample size and the lack of a control group mean that more definitive conclusions should be reserved for our follow-up work, which addresses these issues. We also aim to swab the skin of participants to assess the effect on the skin microbiome from skin and gut treatments, as well as including a more in-depth analysis of skin and gut microbiomes.

Lipidomic analysis of facial skin surface lipid reveals the causes of pregnancy-related skin barrier weakness

Self-reported skin discomfort is a common problem during pregnancy, but it is not clear whether skin barrier function is altered in the process. Few studies have described the skin barrier function during pregnancy. In this work, we used highly sensitive and high-resolution ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to distinguish skin surface lipid (SSL) combined with multivariate analysis of lipids and metabolic changes to determine the relationship between SSL changes and skin physiology during pregnancy in order to better understand the skin condition of pregnant women. The results showed a significant reduction in the total lipid content in pregnant women. A total of 2270 lipids were detected, and the relative abundances of fatty acyls and glycerolipids were significantly reduced, while glycerophospholipids (GPs), sphingolipids, and saccharolipids was significantly increased in the pregnancy group. Multivariate data analysis indicated that 23 entities constituted the most important individual species responsible for the discrimination and phosphatidylcholine was the most abundant lipid in pregnancy group. In addition, compared to SSL profile of control group, it was observed that the average chain length of ceramides and fatty acids both decreased in SSL profile of pregnancy group. The main and most commonly affected pathway was that of GP pathways. These findings indicate that skin lipids are significantly altered in mid-pregnancy compared to the control group. Changes in ostrogen during pregnancy also make the skin more susceptible to inflammatory factors and lead to more fragile and susceptible skin, weakening the skin barrier along with the lipid alterations.

Allergic disease and risk of stress in pregnant women: a PreventADALL study

Background

Maternal stress during pregnancy may negatively affect the health of mother and child. We therefore aimed to identify the proportion of women reporting high maternal stress in mid and late pregnancy and explore whether symptoms of maternal allergic disease are associated with perceived maternal stress in late pregnancy.

Method

The population-based Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy in Children (PreventADALL) study enrolled 2697 pregnant women at their 18-week routine ultrasound examination in Norway and Sweden. Information about sociodemographic factors, symptoms and doctor-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and anaphylaxis and stress using the 14-item perceived stress scale (PSS) was collected at 18 weeks (mid) and 34 weeks (late) pregnancy. High stress was defined as a PSS score ≥29. Scores were analysed using multivariate logistic and linear regression.

Results

Among the 2164 women with complete PSS data, 17% reported asthma, 20% atopic dermatitis, 23% allergic rhinitis, 12% food allergy and 2% anaphylaxis. The proportion of women reporting high stress decreased from 15% at mid to 13% at late pregnancy (p<0.01). The adjusted odds ratio for high stress in late pregnancy was 2.25 (95% CI 1.41-3.58) for self-reported symptoms of asthma, 1.46 (95% CI 1.02-2.10) for allergic rhinitis and 2.25 (95% CI 1.32-3.82) for food allergy. A multivariate linear regression model confirmed that symptoms of asthma (β coefficient 2.11; 0.71-3.51), atopic dermatitis (β coefficient 1.76; 0.62-2.89) and food allergy (β coefficient 2.24; 0.63-3.84) were independently associated with increased PSS score.

Conclusion

Allergic disease symptoms in pregnancy were associated with increased stress, highlighting the importance of optimal disease control in pregnancy.

Autoimmune Hepatitis: Tolerogenic Immunological State During Pregnancy and Immune Escape in Post-partum

The maternal immune system engages in a fine balancing act during pregnancy by simultaneously maintaining immune tolerance to the fetus and immune responses to protect against invading organisms. Pregnancy is an intricately orchestrated process where effector immune cells with fetal specificity are selectively silenced. This requires a sustained immune suppressive state not only by expansion of maternal Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) but also by leaning the immune clock toward a Th2 dominant arm. The fetus, known as a semi-allograft or temporary-self, leads to remission of autoimmune hepatitis during pregnancy. However, this tolerogenic immune state reverts back to a Th1 dominant arm, resulting in post-partum flare of AIH. Various hormones play a significant role in endocrine-immune axis during pregnancy. The placenta functions as a barrier between the maternal immune system and the fetus also plays a pivotal role in creating a tolerogenic environment during pregnancy. We review the evidence of immune tolerance during pregnancy and immune escape at post-partum period, focusing on patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Specific dermatoses of pregnancy other than pemphigoid gestationis

Specific dermatoses of pregnancy are skin disorders that occur specifically during or immediately after pregnancy and cannot be found in non-pregnant patients. According to the current consensus, they include atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP), polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), pemphigoid gestationis (PG), and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). The diagnosis of specific dermatoses of pregnancy can be challenging due to their variation in clinical presentation; moreover, the tests currently available do not always provide the clue for the diagnosis. However, some distinctive features may be helpful to differentiate between such entities. Accordingly, the knowledge of specific dermatoses of pregnancy and of their management is critical, since their early recognition may allow to provide care for the mother and prevent potential increased fetal risk. In fact, while AEP and PEP do not affect maternal and fetal prognosis, PG and, mainly, ICP are associated to maternal complications as well as the risk of fetal loss. In this paper, the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features as well as management of AEP and PEP are reviewed in detail, while PG is described in another article of this issue. Moreover, the main features of ICP, which cannot be considered a primarily skin disease but may be managed first by dermatologists, are reported.

Pregnancy complications, treatment characteristics and birth outcomes in women with atopic dermatitis in Denmark

BACKGROUND

The risk of prenatal, obstetric and birth complications in mothers with atopic dermatitis (AD), along with treatment use during pregnancy, is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations between prenatal, obstetric and birth complications in mothers with AD and describe the dermatologic care received during pregnancy.

METHODS

Mother-child pairs, in which the mother had a history of AD, were identified through the Danish Medical Birth Registry and matched 1 : 10 with non-AD pairs. Data on dermatologic treatment and prenatal, obstetric and birth complications were obtained through linkage via nationwide registers. Multiple logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

We identified 10 668 births from 1997 through 2014 to women with AD. Women with a hospital/ambulatory contact for AD during pregnancy had increased topical corticosteroid and ultraviolet therapy use during pregnancy compared to prior. However, overall, women with AD received decreased dermatologic therapy during pregnancy compared to prior. In adjusted analysis, maternal AD was inversely associated with gestational diabetes [OR 0.79, 95% CI (0.68-0.92)], but positively associated with premature rupture of membranes [1.15 (1.05-1.27)] and staphylococcal neonatal septicemia [2.45 (1.33-4.49)]-albeit the latter was rare. These associations did not meet statistical significance in sub-analysis where body mass index data were available. No associations were found with preeclampsia, prematurity or non-staphylococcal neonatal septicaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with AD during pregnancy mainly used topical corticosteroids and ultraviolet therapy to control their disease. While premature rupture of membranes and staphylococcal neonatal septicaemia were over-represented in maternal AD, no associations were found with any other significant prenatal, obstetric or birth outcome.

New Insights into the Management of Patients with Autoimmune Diseases or Inflammatory Disorders During Pregnancy

The treatment of autoimmune diseases remains a serious problem. Current therapies can lead to adverse effects in patients. One of the most vulnerable patient groups is pregnant women. It has been reported that different autoimmune diseases have a certain trend during pregnancy and after delivery which could be explained by maternal immune responses. Better management of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases or inflammatory disorders could be achieved by linking such alterations in immune responses and governed immune responses in different autoimmune disorders while considering various reports of autoimmune conditions during pregnancy. This study considers changing the T helper cells (Th1) and Th2 balance and suggests some new approaches for the better management of autoimmune diseases in pregnant women based on immune responses. Additionally, the possible role of Th17, alterations in some selected autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma and pemphigus during pregnancy, and possible associated mechanisms are discussed.

The role of filaggrin mutations during pregnancy and postpartum: atopic dermatitis and genital skin diseases

Mutations in the epidermal filaggrin gene (FLG) are associated with skin barrier dysfunction (dry skin, less acidic skin, and fissured skin), and atopic dermatitis (AD) with a severe and persistent course. Because pregnancy and delivery further impairs normal skin barrier functions (immune suppression, mechanical stress), we studied the possible role of FLG mutations on the risk of AD flares, genital infections, and postpartum problems related to perineal trauma. FLG-genotyping was performed in a population-based sample of 1837 women interviewed in the 12th and 30th weeks of pregnancy and 6 months postpartum as part of the Danish National Birth Cohort study 1996-2002. We found that FLG mutations also influence pregnancy-related skin disease; thus, women with FLG mutations had an increased risk of AD flares during pregnancy (OR 10.5, 95% CI 3.6-30.5) and of enduring postpartum physical problems linked to perineal trauma during delivery (OR 11.1, 95% CI 1.1-107.7).

Safety of topical corticosteroids in pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Topical corticosteroids are the most frequently prescribed dermatological treatment and are often used by pregnant women with skin conditions. However, little is known about their safety in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of topical corticosteroids on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women.

SEARCH METHODS

This is an update of a review previously published in 2009. We updated our searches of the following databases to July 2015: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2015, Issue 6), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers and checked the reference lists of included studies, published reviews, articles that had cited the included studies, and one author's literature collection, for further references to relevant RCTs.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and cohort studies of topical corticosteroids in pregnant women, as well as case-control studies comparing maternal exposure to topical corticosteroids between cases and controls when studies reported pre-specified outcomes. The primary outcomes included mode of delivery, major congenital abnormality, birth weight, and preterm delivery (delivery before 37 completed weeks gestation); the secondary outcomes included foetal death, minor congenital abnormality, and low Apgar score (less than seven at 5 min).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two authors independently applied selection criteria, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. A third author was available for resolving differences of opinion. A further author independently extracted data from included studies that were conducted by authors of this systematic review.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 7 new observational studies in this update, bringing the total number to 14, including 5 cohort and 9 case-control studies, with 1,601,515 study subjects.Most studies found no causal associations between maternal exposure to topical corticosteroids of any potency and pregnancy outcomes when compared with no exposure. These outcomes included: mode of delivery (risk ratio (RR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 1.15, 1 cohort study, n = 9904, low quality evidence); congenital abnormalities, including orofacial cleft or cleft palate and hypospadias (where the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis) (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.96, 2 cohort studies, n = 9512, low quality evidence; and odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.60, 1 case-control study, n = 56,557); low birth weight (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.36; n = 59,419, 4 cohort studies; very low quality evidence); preterm delivery (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.08, 4 cohort studies, n = 59,419, low quality evidence); foetal death (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.73, 4 cohort studies, n = 63,885, very low quality evidence); and low Apgar score (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.31, 1 cohort study, n = 9220, low quality evidence).We conducted stratified analyses of mild or moderate potency, and potent or very potent topical corticosteroids, but we found no causal associations between maternal exposure to topical corticosteroid of any potency and congenital abnormality, orofacial clefts, preterm delivery, or low Apgar score. For low birth weight, although the meta-analysis based on study-level data was not significant for either mild to moderate corticosteroids (pooled RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.09, 3 cohort studies, n > 55,713) or potent to very potent corticosteroids (pooled RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.58, 4 cohort studies, n > 47,651), there were significant differences between the two subgroups (P = 0.04). The results from three of the individual studies in the meta-analysis indicated an increased risk of low birth weight in women who received potent to very potent topical corticosteroids. Maternal use of mild to moderate potency topical steroids was associated with a decreased risk of foetal death (pooled RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.77, 2 studies, n = 48,749; low quality evidence), but we did not observe this effect when potent to very potent topical corticosteroids were given during pregnancy (pooled RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.88, 3 studies, n = 37,086, low quality evidence).We used the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group approach to rate the overall quality of the evidence. Data from observational studies started at low quality. We further downgraded the evidence because of imprecision in low birth weight and inconsistency in foetal death. Lower quality evidence resulted in lower confidence in the estimate of effect for those outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This update adds more evidence showing no causal associations between maternal exposure to topical corticosteroids of all potencies and pregnancy outcomes including mode of delivery, congenital abnormalities, preterm delivery, foetal death, and low Apgar score, which is consistent with the previous version of this review. This update provides stratified analyses based on steroid potency; we found no association between maternal use of topical corticosteroids of any potency and an increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including mode of delivery, congenital abnormality, preterm delivery, foetal death, and low Apgar score. Similar to the previous version of the review, this update identified a probable association between low birth weight and maternal use of potent to very potent topical corticosteroids, especially when the cumulative dosage of topical corticosteroids throughout the pregnancy is very large, which warrants further investigation. The finding of a possible protective effect of mild to moderate topical corticosteroids on foetal death could also be examined.

A longitudinal study of skin barrier function in pregnancy and the postnatal period

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether skin's barrier function changes in pregnancy. Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) refers to the total amount of water loss through the skin and TEWL can be measured non-invasively as an index of skin barrier function. We measured TEWL during and after pregnancy to evaluate pregnancy-related skin barrier function.

METHODS

This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 52 low-risk, first-time pregnant women nested within the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) Ireland study. TEWL (gwater/m2/h) was measured three times during pregnancy: 19-21 weeks, 27-32 weeks and 36 weeks; and three times postnatally: 2-4 days, 2 months and 6 months post-delivery. Data were analysed using SPSS 18.0 and P > 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A rise in TEWL was seen between each visit with the highest readings, exceeding the normal range of 0-20 gwater/m(2)/h, recorded at two months post-delivery. Forty women attended at two months post-delivery of whom 22 women had an average reading between 0 and 20 gwater/m(2)/h; 10 women had an average reading between 21 and 40 gwater/m(2)/h and 8 women had an average reading between 41 and 75 gwater/m(2)/h. Readings had returned to an average of 0-20 gwater/m(2)/h at six months postnatally.

CONCLUSION

TEWL increases slightly in pregnancy and the postnatal period. The clinical significance of this is unclear and requires further investigation.

Mast cell-mediated and associated disorders in pregnancy: a risky game with an uncertain outcome?

During pregnancy, the maternal organism is under the influence of tremendous endocrine as well as immunological changes as an adaptation to the implanted and developing fetus. In most cases, the maternal adaptations to pregnancy ensure both, the protection against harmful pathogens and the tolerance toward the growing semi-allogeneic fetus. However, under certain circumstances the unique hormonal milieu during pregnancy is causative of a shift into an unfavorable direction. Of particular importance are cellular disorders previous to pregnancy that involve cell types known for their susceptibility to hormones. One interesting cell type is the mast cell (MC), one of the key figures in allergic disorders. While physiological numbers of MCs were shown to positively influence pregnancy outcome, at least in mouse models, uncontrolled augmentations in quantity, and/or activation can lead to pregnancy complications. Women that have the desire of getting pregnant and been diagnosed with MC mediated disorders such as urticaria and mastocytosis or chronic inflammatory diseases in which MCs are involved, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, or psoriasis, may benefit from specialized medical assistance to ensure a positive pregnancy outcome. In the present review, we address the course of pregnancy in women affected by MC mediated or associated disorders.

Specific dermatoses of pregnancy and their treatment

The specific dermatoses of pregnancy represent a diverse group of intensely pruritic dermatoses, occurring only in the puerperal state. The relative rarity of these conditions, the often variable clinical appearance, and the lack of definitive diagnostic tests have led to confusion regarding the appropriate diagnosis and management of the specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Herein we review the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of five dermatoses occurring during pregnancy: pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, atopic eruption of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and pustular psoriasis of pregnancy.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis in pregnancy

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also referred to as eczema, is one of the most frequently observed skin diseases in pregnant patients. The presentation and histopathology of this condition during pregnancy is identical to that of the non-pregnant individual. AD is a T-helper 2 dominant disease and may worsen during pregnancy, which favors this population of T-lymphocytes. AD management during pregnancy requires special precautions to avoid harming the fetus. Herein is an exploration of the different options available for the treatment of the pregnant patient with AD. The management of concomitant bacterial and viral infections is also discussed.

Atopic dermatitis in pregnancy: current status and challenges

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common pregnancy dermatosis. This evidence-based review article provides an evaluation of AD in gestation. Our literature search revealed 4 epidemiologic studies on AD in pregnancy, and a total of 55 articles that provide the basis for this review. The limitations of epidemiologic studies included herein are critically reviewed. The management of AD in gestation is reviewed with an emphasis on drug safety. Further studies are required to determine whether it is the intrinsic ("nonallergic" or "atopiform dermatitis") and/or extrinsic (IgE-associated) AD that is affected by pregnancy, and to establish the postpartum prognosis of "new atopic dermatitis" (AD presenting for the first time in pregnancy). A revision of the diagnostic criteria will allow a more accurate confirmation of the prevalence of AD, and especially "new atopic dermatitis," in pregnancy as well as differentiation of AD from specific dermatoses of pregnancy, such as prurigo and pruritic folliculitis. Addressing the above issues and unraveling the etiopathogenesis of AD in pregnancy will help clarify a suggested overlap with the above specific dermatoses.

Atopic dermatitis in adolescence

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that typically occurs during childhood especially in the first year of life, with a variable frequency from 10% to 30%. Recent studies have shown that in Europe among 10-20% of children with AD suffer from this disorder also in adolescence. AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a typical onset in the first years of life and with a 10-30% prevalence among young children. AD prevalence in adolescence has been estimated around 5-15% in European countries. AD persists from childhood through adolescence in around 40% of cases and some risk factors have been identified: female sex, sensitization to inhalant and food allergens, allergic asthma and/or rhinoconjunctivitis, the practice of certain jobs. During adolescence, AD mainly appears on the face and neck, often associated with overinfection by Malassezia, and on the palms and soles. AD persistence during adolescence is correlated with psychological diseases such as anxiety; moreover, adolescents affected by AD might have problems in the relationship with their peers. Stress and the psychological problems represent a serious burden for adolescents with AD and cause a significant worsening of the patients' quality of life (QoL). The pharmacological treatment is similar to other age groups. Educational and psychological approaches should be considered in the most severe cases.

Metody korrektsii narusheniy kozhnogo bar'era pri pomoshchikosmeticheskikh sredstv Emolium u beremennykh, bol'nykhatopicheskim dermatitom

Results of examination of the skin barrier in 57 pregnant women with atopic dermatitis and 48 dermatologically healthy pregnant women are presented. In the majority of patients with atopic dermatitis significant disorders of the skin barriers have been found out both within the lesions and on clinically normal skin. More than a quarter of dermatologically healthy pregnants demonstrated the lack of skin barriers on the dorsal surface of the hands. Use of complex emollients (gamma «Emolium») improved characteristics of skin barrier permeability among the individuals with atopic dermatitis.

[Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune mediated dermatoses during pregnancy. Course and prognosis for mother and child]

Chronic inflammatory dermatoses during pregnancy can take varying courses in mother and child. The dominant Th2-response characteristic for pregnancy may explain why atopic eczema or lupus erythematosus may deteriorate while psoriasis vulgaris may improve. In contrast, impetigo herpetiformis frequently shows a severe course. Lupus erythematosus and other autoantibody-triggered dermatoses like pemphigus vulgaris pose an increased risk for the child because of placental transfer of autoantibodies with specific skin changes or systemic manifestations of the disease as well as placental insufficiency, growth retardation and premature birth. Such risks are not associated with linear IgA dermatosis. A severe pityriasis rosea during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of abortion or premature delivery. Early diagnosis and individually adjusted therapy of skin diseases is mandatory to avoid any risk for mother or child.

The influence of pregnancy and menstruation on the deterioration of atopic dermatitis symptoms

BACKGROUND

Female patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) often experience cutaneous deterioration associated with their pregnancy or menstrual cycle.

OBJECTIVE

We wanted to determine the prevalence of symptom aggravation as related to pregnancy and the menstrual cycle in female patients with AD.

METHODS

One hundred female patients with AD were included in the study and interviews were performed. The total IgE level and the Eczema Area and Severity Index score of the patients were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Ninety seven patients replied the questionnaire, and among them, 23 patients had completed at least 1 pregnancy. Among the 23 women who experienced pregnancy, 14 (61%) had noticed deterioration of their clinical symptoms during pregnancy. Of the 97 females, 31 (32%) patients had noticed deterioration of their AD as related to their menstrual cycle. For the patients who were sub-grouped as the intrinsic type of AD, the prevalence of symptom aggravation as related to pregnancy was significantly higher as compared to that of the extrinsic type of AD patients (p=0.048).

CONCLUSION

Of the 97 patients, 45 (46%) females answered that they have experienced deterioration of AD during pregnancy or in relation to their menstrual cycle, and this suggests the relation of a hormonal influence on the clinical manifestations of AD.