II. Epidemiology

  1. Rare (1 in 60,000 pregnancies)
  2. Primarily in Multiparous patients in second or third trimester of pregnancy

III. Pathophysiology

  1. Associated with HLA-DR3, and HLA-DR4
  2. Autoimmune skin disorder similar to Bullous Pemphigoid
    1. Reaction to hemidesmosomal Proteins within the Dermis and Epidermis

IV. Associated Conditions

V. Symptoms

  1. Intense, severe Pruritus

VI. Signs

  1. Onset in second or third trimester of pregnancy
  2. Polymorphic lesions
    1. Vesicles and bullae
  3. Distribution
    1. Starts on Abdomen
      1. Does not spare the umbilical region (unlike Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy)
    2. Spreads to thighs, palms and soles

VIII. Management

  1. Increased antepartum observation
  2. Oral Antihistamines
  3. Topical Corticosteroids
  4. Systemic Corticosteroids in severe cases

IX. Course

  1. Onset in second-half of pregnancy
  2. Improves in late pregnancy
  3. May be exacerbated in early Postpartum Period
  4. May recur in future pregnancies (or with hormonal therapy such as Oral Contraceptives)

X. Complications

  1. Preterm delivery
  2. Small for Gestational Age infant
  3. Newborns dermatitis (10% of cases)
    1. Vesicles and bullae may be transiently seen in newborns due to passive Antibody transfer

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