Open AccessPruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy Occurring Postpartum Treated with Intramuscular Injection of Autologous Whole Blood
Author(s) -
En Hyung Kim
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
case reports in dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.338
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 1662-6567
DOI - 10.1159/000473874
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , intramuscular injection , adverse effect , postpartum period , dermatology , surgery , obstetrics , anesthesia , genetics , biology
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is one of the most common diseases associated with pregnancy. In most cases, the skin lesions develop in the third trimester of primigravidas. There are no systemic alterations seen in PUPPP; however, most patients report severe pruritus. A 34-year-old woman presented 1 week postpartum with typical clinical features of PUPPP. The patient showed good response to intramuscular injection of autologous whole blood with no adverse effects to the patient or her baby. Presentation of PUPPP in the postpartum period is rare. Conservative management with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines is commonly used to relieve pruritus. In severe cases, skin lesions and symptoms are controlled with a brief course of systemic corticosteroids. Investigation of new treatment options has been limited by patient concerns about the negative effects of medication on the fetus or breastfeeding. Intramuscular injection of autologous whole blood could be an alternative treatment option for PUPPP, especially for women who worry about the use of medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding.