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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
[Pemphigoid gestationis]
Anne-Johanne Andersen1, Henrik Thormann2, Shailajah Kamaleswaran1
1Hudafdeling I og Allergicentret, Odense Universitetshospital.
Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is a rare autoimmune skin disorder which occurs during pregnancy. PG was first described as herpes gestationis in 1872, though it is not related to herpes virus. It typically presents in the second or third trimester and, rarely, post-partum. The condition is characterized by itchy urticarial papules and plaques, which may progress to vesicles and bullae. PG often starts periumbilically and spreads to flexural areas. Early diagnosis is crucial, as PG is associated with risks of preterm birth, and several studies also report a risk of small for gestational age and low birth weight, as argued in this review.
Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is a rare autoimmune skin disorder which occurs during pregnancy. PG was first described as herpes gestationis in 1872, though it is not related to herpes virus. It typically presents in the second or third trimester and, rarely, post-partum. The condition is characterized by itchy urticarial papules and plaques, which may progress to vesicles and bullae. PG often starts periumbilically and spreads to flexural areas. Early diagnosis is crucial, as PG is associated with risks of preterm birth, and several studies also report a risk of small for gestational age and low birth weight, as argued in this review.
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