NEVIGRAV Study: A Case-Control Analysis on Changes in Melanocytic Nevi During Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Dermatopathology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Melanocytic nevi (moles) can change during pregnancy, but existing research presents conflicting findings.
• Standardized methods and control groups are often lacking in studies on pregnancy-related nevus changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi and the development of new lesions in pregnant women.
• To compare these changes against a control group of non-pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• An observational case-control study (Nevigrav) involving 85 participants (45 pregnant, 40 controls).
• Utilized full-body photography and digital dermoscopy to analyze 1614 lesions.
• Minimized confounding factors like UV exposure by enrolling participants in autumn/winter.

Main Results:

• No new lesions were detected in pregnant women compared to controls.
• Significant dimensional growth of nevi was observed on the abdomen and back between trimesters.
• Pigmentation changes were noted by the third trimester, varying by phototype (II and III) and body region (mammary, abdominal, thigh).

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy does not increase the overall count of melanocytic nevi.
• Pregnancy can induce changes in nevus size and pigmentation, particularly in the abdominal area.
• No alterations in nevus symmetry or dermoscopic patterns were observed during pregnancy.