Antihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancy (Cochrane Review)

Young GL, Jewell D

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A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 30 June 1994. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.
Background: While not common, itching in pregnancy (not due to liver disease) can be distressing.
Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of treatment for itching in late pregnancy.
Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. In addition, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL/CCTR) was searched. Date of last search: April 1999.
Selection criteria: Randomised trials of treatments for itching in women in late pregnancy with normal liver function.
Data collection and analysis: Trial quality was assessed and data were extracted independently by two reviewers.
Main results: One study of 38 women was included. This was a small crossover trial, using alternate allocation. The trial compared a histamine, chlorpheniramine, with aspirin. Aspirin was more effective than chlorpheniramine in relieving itching (odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 4.57). However chlorpheniramine was more effective than aspirin when a rash was present.
Reviewers' conclusions: Aspirin appears to be more effective than chlorpheniramine for relief of itching in pregnancy when no rash is present. If there is a rash, chlorpheniramine may be more effective.
Citation: Young GL, Jewell D. Antihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancy (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).
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File Reference: AB000027.htm