Specific Dermatoses of Pregnancy among Iraqi Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: The specific dermatoses of pregnancy are a problem that has not been investigated among Iraqi pregnant women before.Objective: To evaluate the frequency & the clinical characteristics of specific dermatoses of pregnancy among Iraqi pregnant women Patients & Methods: This is a prospective case series multicentric study. Clinical data of 318 patients with specific dermatoses of pregnancy were recorded during 5 years study period (Jan.2003- Jan. 2008) at 2 hospitals & 2 private dermatological clinics in Basra, southern Iraq.Results: Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) was diagnosed in 29.5% of patients, 78.4% were primigravidae & multiple pregnancies in 11%. Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) was seen in 19.7%, majority in their first half of pregnancy, atopic diathesis was recorded in 10%.Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in 14.7%, mostly started in late pregnancy & jaundice was not observed. Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) in 2.2%, majority of patients were multiparous with postpartum flare-up. Erythema-multiforme (EM) like eruption with widespread targetoid lesions was noticed in 2.2%. Generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (GPPP) in 4 (1.4%).Conclusion: The specific dermatoses of pregnancy are frequent problems among Iraqi pregnant women.Key words: Specific, Dermatoses, Pregnancy,