Mastocytosis complicating pregnancy

Objective: To review the experience of women who conceived after developing mastocytosis and who were observed at the National Institutes of Health. Methods: We reviewed our patient database for the years 1984-1998 to identi fy women with mastocytosis who had conceived. We then reviewed each woman's record, asked each woman to complete a questionnaire, and with permission wrote outside hospitals to obtain records of each labor and delivery. Results: We identified eight women who had become pregnant. These women del ivered a total of 11 live infants. In approximately a third of the pregnanc ies, patients experienced:worsening of symptoms. They often used fewer medi cations during pregnancy because of safety concerns, and no greater inciden ce of adverse reactions was noted. Antihistamines were used most commonly, followed by oral prednisone. Medications used during delivery were well tol erated and included epidural analgesics. Neonates were generally healthy. N one ito date have developed urticaria pigmentosa or systemic mastocytosis. Conclusion: A subset of women with mastocytosis might have had exacerbated mastocytosis during and after pregnancy, but labor and delivery progressed normally. Infants were born generally healthy and were without mastocytosis . Thus there appears to be no absolute contraindication to pregnancy for wo men with mastocytosis, although women should be aware that the choice to ha ve a child is not without some added risk. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;95:391-5.).