105: Skin Changes in Pregnancy Flashcards
What are the most common pigmentary disturbances observed during pregnancy?
The most common pigmentary disturbances during pregnancy include hyperpigmentation, darkening of the linea alba, and melasma.
What is the most common structural change that occurs during pregnancy?
The most common structural change during pregnancy is striae distensae, also known as striae gravidarum or colloquially as stretch marks.
What are the strongest predictors of developing striae distensae during pregnancy?
The strongest predictors of developing striae distensae include: 1. Family history 2. Personal history 3. Race
What is the most common vascular lesion to develop during pregnancy?
The most common vascular lesion to develop during pregnancy is spider angiomas.
What should be done if a pigmented lesion in a pregnant woman undergoes changes in morphology or symptoms?
Any pigmented lesion in a pregnant woman that undergoes changes in morphology (size, color, or shape) or symptoms (begins to itch, bleed, or scale) should be considered for histopathologic review.
Is melasma reversible during pregnancy?
Melasma is generally considered reversible, while linea nigra often persists postpartum.
A pregnant woman presents with blotchy facial hyperpigmentation. What is the condition, and does it typically resolve postpartum?
The condition is melasma. It may regress postpartum, but it often persists.
What are the common cutaneous changes associated with pregnancy?
Altered endocrine, metabolic, and immunologic milieus.
What is the significance of changes in pigmented lesions during pregnancy?
Any change in morphology or symptoms should be considered for histopathologic review.
What does pruritus during pregnancy indicate?
It may be physiologic or herald a flare of a preexisting dermatosis or onset of a specific dermatosis of pregnancy.
What are the clinical features of Pemphigoid Gestationis?
Pemphigoid Gestationis is characterized by: - Intensely pruritic vesiculobullous eruption on the trunk and extremities. - Begins during the second or third trimester.
What is the management approach for Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy?
Management includes: 1. Topical treatments such as wet dressings and corticosteroids (rarely effective alone). 2. NBUVB + topical steroids: successful in rare cases. 3. Systemic corticosteroids: previously the mainstay of therapy. 4. Cyclopsorine & Infliximab: now considered first-line therapy (Cyclopsorine 5-10 mg/kg daily). 5. Monitoring of fluid status and electrolytes is essential due to potential imbalances.
What are the potential complications associated with Pemphigoid Gestationis?
Pemphigoid Gestationis can lead to: - Premature delivery and low birth weight (LBW). - Maternal disease severity correlates with these outcomes.
What distinguishes Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy from Generalized Pustular Psoriasis?
Key distinctions include: | Feature | Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy | Generalized Pustular Psoriasis | |———|——————————-|——————————-| | Family History | Absence of positive family history | Positive family history possible | | Symptom Resolution | Abrupt resolution at delivery | Symptoms may persist or recur | | Recurrence | Tendency to recur only during subsequent pregnancies | More frequent recurrences | | Triggers | Not triggered by infection or drug discontinuation | Can be triggered by infections or drugs |
A pregnant patient presents with intensely pruritic urticarial lesions on erythematous skin during the second trimester. What is the most likely diagnosis, and what diagnostic test would confirm it?
The most likely diagnosis is Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG). The diagnostic test to confirm it is Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF), which shows linear deposition of C3 at the dermoepidermal junction.
A patient in her third trimester develops erythematous patches with subcorneal pustules originating in flexural areas. What is the diagnosis, and what is the cardinal feature of this condition?
The diagnosis is Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy. The cardinal feature is the rapid resolution of symptoms after delivery.
A patient with Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy is prescribed cyclosporine. What is the recommended dosage range for this medication?
The recommended dosage range for cyclosporine in Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy is 5-10 mg/kg daily.
A patient with Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG) undergoes DIF testing. What specific finding confirms the diagnosis?
DIF testing shows linear deposition of C3 at the dermoepidermal junction, which is pathognomonic for Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG).
A patient with Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy is treated with infliximab. What precaution should be taken for the newborn?
For the newborn, live vaccines should be delayed if the mother was treated with infliximab.
A patient with Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG) experiences a postpartum flare. What hormonal factors may contribute to this exacerbation?
Postpartum flares of Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG) may be exacerbated by oral contraceptives and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
A patient with Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy develops hypocalcemia. What life-threatening complications can arise from severe hypocalcemia?
Life-threatening complications from severe hypocalcemia include tetany, delirium, and convulsions.
A patient with Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG) has circulating autoantibodies. What diagnostic test can be used to detect these antibodies?
ELISA or Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) can be used to detect circulating autoantibodies in Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG).
A patient with ICP has elevated bile acid levels. What fetal monitoring is essential to manage this condition?
Fetal monitoring is essential, as decelerations in fetal heart rate may be the earliest sign of fetal hypoxemia.
A patient with Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy is treated with cyclosporine. What other first-line therapy is available for this condition?
Another first-line therapy for Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy is infliximab, a TNF-α blocking agent.
A patient with Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG) develops bullous lesions postpartum. What is the cause of these lesions in the newborn?
The bullous lesions in the newborn are caused by passive placental transfer of the anti–BMZ antibody.
What is the typical presentation of pemphigoid gestationis during pregnancy?
Intensely pruritic, vesiculobullous eruption on the trunk and extremities, beginning in the second or third trimester.
What are the potential complications associated with pemphigoid gestationis?
Associated with premature delivery and low birth weight; correlates with maternal disease severity.
What is the characteristic feature of pustular psoriasis of pregnancy?
Erythematous patches with subcorneal pustules, typically occurring in the third trimester.
What are the most feared complications of pustular psoriasis of pregnancy?
Placental insufficiency and consequent stillbirth or neonatal death.
What is the cardinal feature of pustular psoriasis of pregnancy after delivery?
Rapid resolution of symptoms after delivery.
What laboratory findings are commonly associated with pustular psoriasis of pregnancy?
Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, elevated ESR, hypoferric anemia, and hypoalbuminemia.
What is the recommended treatment for severe cases of pustular psoriasis of pregnancy?
Cyclopsorine and infliximab are considered first-line therapies.
What is the significance of fetal monitoring in cases of pustular psoriasis of pregnancy?
Essential as decelerations in fetal heart rate may indicate fetal hypoxemia.
What is the role of systemic corticosteroids in the management of pustular psoriasis of pregnancy?
Previously the mainstay of therapy, but now less favored due to potential adverse effects.
What is the importance of monitoring fluid status and electrolytes in cases of pustular psoriasis of pregnancy?
To ensure rapid correction of imbalances and prevent complications.
What are the clinical features and potential complications associated with Pemphigoid Gestationis during pregnancy?
Pemphigoid Gestationis is characterized by: - Intensely pruritic, vesiculobullous eruption occurring in mid-to-late pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period. - Abrupt appearance of severely pruritic urticarial lesions on normal or erythematous skin. - Increased incidence of SGA births and premature delivery.
How does Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy differ from Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in terms of clinical presentation and management?
Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy is characterized by: - Occurrence during the 1st or 3rd trimester of an otherwise uneventful pregnancy. - Erythematous patches with subcorneal pustules, often sparing the face, palms, and soles.
What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and its common features?
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a rare, reversible cholestasis that occurs in late pregnancy, characterized by: - Pruritus: Moderate-to-severe itching, often localized to palms and soles or generalized.
What are the potential fetal risks associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)?
The potential fetal risks associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) include: - Increased rates of prematurity - Fetal distress - Fetal death
What is the recommended treatment for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)?
The recommended treatment for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) includes: 1. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA): A naturally occurring hydrophilic bile acid that reduces maternal symptoms and fetal risk.