Diagnosis, fetal risk and treatment of pemphigoid gestationis in pregnancy: A case report

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Dec 6;9(34):10645-10651. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i34.10645.

Abstract

Background: Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease that usually presents in the second or third trimester, with an incidence of 1 per 50000 pregnancies. PG tends to recur with an earlier onset and a more severe course in subsequent pregnancies. Skin biopsy markers can be confirmed by direct immunofluorescence staining.

Case summary: Our patient was diagnosed with PG at 8 mo of gestation with fresh bullous lesion marks on the abdomen and limbs. Termination of the pregnancy was performed by cesarean section at 37 + 4 wk of gestation. The patient delivered an infant weighing 3620 gm. The infant had urticaria-like and vesicular skin lesions and was diagnosed with PG. The patient was discharged on prednisolone and in a satisfactory condition. The infant was discharged after anti-inflammatory therapy for one week.

Conclusion: PG is a rarely reported disease, and 10% of newborns develop mild clinical symptoms consisting of urticaria-like or vesicular skin lesions. We intend to remind clinicians to consider this condition when a patient presents with such lesions so that treatment can be started early and neonatal morbidity can be taken into account.

Keywords: Case report; Fluorescent antibody techniqu; Newborn; Pemphigoid gestationis; Pemphigus; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports