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Pruritus gravidarum: a clinical and laboratory study
S Shanmugam1, D M Thappa, S Habeebullah
1Department of Dermatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India.
The Journal of Dermatology
|November 3, 1998
Summary
Pruritus in pregnancy affects 4.6% of women, with pruritus gravidarum found in 0.8%. This study highlights the prevalence and severity of these conditions in South India.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom during pregnancy.
- Specific dermatoses of pregnancy require accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of pruritus in pregnant women in South India.
- To identify specific dermatoses of pregnancy, including pruritus gravidarum.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 500 pregnant women attending an obstetrics outpatient department.
- Exclusion of patients with non-pregnancy-specific dermatological causes of pruritus.
- Inclusion of routine laboratory investigations, liver function tests, and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 4.6% for pruritus in pregnancy was observed (23 cases).
- Ten patients had specific dermatoses of pregnancy: 4 with pruritus gravidarum and 4 with pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP).
- Pruritus gravidarum prevalence was 0.8%; all affected patients were primigravidae and showed no overlap with other conditions.
Conclusions:
- Pruritus gravidarum occurred in 0.8% of pregnancies, primarily in primigravidae.
- The study provides valuable data on the prevalence and severity of pruritus gravidarum in the South Indian population.
- Early identification and differentiation of specific dermatoses of pregnancy are crucial for appropriate management.