Pregnancy-Related Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Misdiagnosed, Understudied, and Clinically Challenging
A new systematic review sheds light on the rare but serious occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) during pregnancy and the postpartum period, an often-misdiagnosed condition with significant maternal and fetal implications.
Analyzing 63 cases across 62 studies, researchers found that PG frequently presents without an underlying inflammatory or rheumatologic condition, and is misdiagnosed in nearly three-quarters of patients. Treatment delays are common, with systemic corticosteroids used in 89% of cases and cyclosporine in one-third. Emergency Cesarean delivery was the most frequent complication.
The immunologic shifts of pregnancy may trigger PG in predisposed patients, yet a clear treatment framework is lacking. In this July article, the authors call for increased clinical awareness and more robust research to establish safe, effective management strategies for this vulnerable population. Read to find out more!
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(7). doi:10.36849/JDD.8843R1
