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WITHDRAWN: Antihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancy
1Temple Sowerby Medical Practice, Linden Park, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, UK, CA10 1RW.
Background:
While not common, itching in pregnancy (not due to liver disease) can be distressing.
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of treatment for itching in late pregnancy.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (January 2007).
Selection Criteria:
Randomised trials of treatments for itching in women in late pregnancy with normal liver function.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.
Main Results:
One study of 38 women was included. This was a small crossover trial, using alternate allocation. The trial compared a histamine, chlorpheniramine, with aspirin. Aspirin was more effective than chlorpheniramine in relieving itching (odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 4.57). However, chlorpheniramine was more effective than aspirin when a rash was present.
Authors' Conclusions:
Aspirin appears to be more effective than chlorpheniramine for relief of itching in pregnancy when no rash is present. If there is a rash, chlorpheniramine may be more effective.
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