A case-control study of polymorphic eruption of pregnancy

BackgroundPolymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) is a pruritic disease that usually occurs in primiparous women, most commonly in the last trimester of pregnancy. The origin and pathomechanisms still remain unknown.ObjectivesWe attempted to determine the parameters that may be associated with or complicate the course of PEP.MethodsData of 200 pregnant women (40 PEP and 160 control) were studied retrospectively and compared statistically using univariable and multivariable analysis.ResultsIn multivariate analysis, pregnancy with male fetuses (P = .02) and delivery by cesarean section (P = .012) were overrepresented in the PEP group. A tendency toward more multiple gestation pregnancy in PEP was found (P = .07). The risk of PEP was not related to excessive maternal or fetal weight gain.LimitationsThis was a retrospective study.ConclusionThis large case-control study confirms the already suspected association of PEP with male fetuses and cesarean deliveries in multivariate analysis. The higher rate of multiple gestation pregnancy was also established.