Search

Introduction: Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is defined as the passage of fetal blood into the maternal circulation. Fetal erythrocytes can stimulate the maternal immune system and cause an autoimmune response. Meanwhile, dermatoses of pregnancy (DP) are defined as heterogeneous groups of skin diseases that occur in pregnancy and progress with itchy skin lesions. This study aims to determine the role of autoimmunity by measuring FMH in the etiology of DP. Methods: In this study the case group consisted of patients with DP and the control group consisted of healthy pregnants who applied to our clinic between November 2021-2022. FMH was determined by the Kleihauer-Betke test in the blood sample taken from the mothers. Mollison's formula was used to estimate FMH severity. Results: A total of 82, 30 (36.6%) case and 52 (63.4%) control, participants were included in this study. The mean maternal age was 31±4 in case and 31±5 in control group; revealed no statistical difference (p=0.445). There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding mean gestational week (27±10, 30±7, p=0.350). The rate of multiparity was 10% in the case group and 5.8% in the control group and there was no statistical difference (p=0.136). There was no statistical difference in the terms of gravida, parity, abortus or BMI. The mean quantity of bleeding measured significantly higher in the case group (7±5, 3±3, p<0.001). The presence of DP history were significantly higher in the case group (16.7%, 1.9%, p=0.023). Conclusion: There is a significant, positive and very strong relationship between DP and FMH which provides evidence to the relationship between FMH and autoimmunity. These results also tie well with previous studies wherein DP history is a predisposing factor for dermatoses in further pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]