Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy in Mexico

Abstract

Background Currently, the exact incidence of Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP) in the Mexican population is unknown. PEP tends to manifest in the abdomen, primarily in the stretch marks caused by distension. It is characterized by severely pruritic urticarial-like papules that converge in plaques, extending to the buttocks and proximal thighs. Our study determined its incidence, along with other common dermatoses in pregnancy.Methods Patients between 14 and 45 years of age were evaluated. In each patient, a complete medical history and physical examination was performed with emphasis on skin and adnexa. Patients were followed until the end of their pregnancy. Results A total of 217 women were included. PEP was identified in three patients (1.38%), all primigravida, with single fetus pregnancy, and all concluded their pregnancy by vaginal delivery. The neonates were 2 females and 1 male. No other gestational pathologies were identified. ConclusionsWe identified a higher incidence of PEP than reported, without association to complications or need for medical management. There may be an association between high maternal weight and the presence of PEP, however a larger sample is needed.

Diagnostic Pitfall in Atypical Febrile Presentation in a Patient with a Pregnancy-Specific Dermatosis—Case Report and Literature Review

“…PUPPP actual incidence is not known, but one out of 130–300 pregnancies have been reported [ 22 ], and Elling et al [ 23 ] reported 1 in 200 single pregnancies (0.5%). Literature findings suggest that multiple pregnancies carry a greater risk of developing this skin condition, with an incidence of 2.9–16% in twin pregnancies and 14–17% in triplets [ 24 ]. PUPPP usually appears among primigravidae in the third trimester of pregnancy (with a mean onset of 35 weeks of gestation) or during the immediate postpartum period, with no tendency to relapse in subsequent pregnancies [ 21 , 22 , 25 ].…”

“…Some authors speculated that the third-trimester-aged placenta determines maternal fibroblast proliferation through released molecules known as F-substance [ 22 , 33 ]. Dominguez-Serrano et al [ 24 ] assumed a greater body mass index (BMI) could be associated with a higher risk of PUPPP [ 24 ]. Similarly, Ghazeeri et al [ 16 ] affirmed that 75% of PUPPP patients presented excessive maternal weight gain.…”

Pruritus in Pregnancy

“…PEP is also known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy and is a benign self-limiting pruritic inflammatory disorder with an incidence of 1:120-1:300 pregnancies [25][26][27][28]. It usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy or immediately postpartum (in about 15% of cases) [8].…”

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy: A case report

“…[4][5][6] Although, the etiological cause of PEP remains unknown, evidence suggest a relationship between increased skin distension, cesarean deliveries, multiple gestation and male fetuses. [7][8] Clinical manifestation of PEP include intense pruritic erythematous papules arising within striae in the third trimester and/or postpartum period. The most common initial site are abdominal striae while the eruption can spread to the lower extremities, buttocks and chest.…”