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Secondary autoimmune diseases in herpes gestationis (pemphigoid gestationis)
1University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington.
Background:
Herpes gestationis (HG) is an autoimmune disease of the skin that occurs exclusively in association with pregnancy (or trophoblastic disease). It is associated with the HLA-DR3 and -DR4 antigens that are also associated with several other autoimmune diseases. HG has previously been reported in association with Graves' disease.
Objective:
Our purpose was to determine the frequency of other autoimmune disease(s) in patients with a history of HG.
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with a history of HG were studied for the frequency of other autoimmune diseases.
Results:
We found an increased frequency of Graves' disease in patients with a history of HG. Those with HG have an increased risk for the development of other autoantibodies. There is an increased frequency of autoimmune diseases in the family members of patients with HG.
Conclusion:
Secondary autoimmune disease in HG is unusual, but does occur. The most frequent is Graves' disease.