Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis(APD) occurs during the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle and is an uncommon cyclic premenstrual reaction to progesterone. It can present itself in several ways, including eczema, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema, and progesterone-induced anaphylaxis.[2] The first case of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis was identified in 1964.[3] Reproductive function may be impacted by APD.[4]
It is unknown exactly what causes APD. The use of exogenous progesterones (OCPs) at the beginning of a patient's treatment may increase the possibility that the antigen will be absorbed by antigen-presenting cells and presented to TH2 cells, which may lead to the subsequent synthesis of IgE. However, this mechanism would not account for the pathogenesis in patients whose APD began before this treatment.[9] Although not all studies have shown it, some authors have proposed that hydrocortisone[10] or 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone may cause initial sensitization due to their cross-sensitivity with progesterone.[11]
Diagnosis
An intradermal progesterone injection test is performed in conjunction with a clinical history to confirm the diagnosis of APD.[12]
A delayed or immediate hypersensitivity reaction could be the cause of APD. As a result, intradermal testing might not show a positive result for 24 to 48 hours.[13] Furthermore, progesterone patch testing has been recommended by some authors to further assess for a hypersensitivity reaction.[14] Notably, certain individuals with typical clinical symptoms of APD who improved after treatment for the disorder did not test negative for intradermal growth factors.[15]
^Shelley, Walter B; Preucel, Robert W.; Spoont, Stanley S. (October 5, 1964). "Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis". JAMA. 190 (1). American Medical Association (AMA). doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03070140041004. ISSN0098-7484.
^ abKuruvilla, Merin; Vanijcharoenkarn, Kristine; Wan, Justin; Pereira, Nigel; Chung, Pak (2018). "Exogenous progesterone hypersensitivity associated with recurrent pregnancy loss". The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 6 (4). Elsevier BV: 1412–1413. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2017.11.041. ISSN2213-2198. PMID29339132. S2CID42650500.
^Wintzen, M.; Goor-van Egmond, M. B. T.; Noz, K. C. (2004). "Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis presenting with purpura and petechiae". Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 29 (3). Oxford University Press (OUP): 316. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2004.01516.x. ISSN0307-6938. PMID15115523. S2CID26356147.
^ASAI, Jun; KATOH, Norito; NAKANO, Mayu; WADA, Makoto; KISHIMOTO, Saburo (November 26, 2009). "Case of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis presenting as fixed drug eruption". The Journal of Dermatology. 36 (12). Wiley: 643–645. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2009.00723.x. ISSN0385-2407. PMID19958448. S2CID39416529.
^Snyder, Joy L.; Krishnaswamy, Guha (2003). "Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis and its manifestation as anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review". Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 90 (5). Elsevier BV: 469–477. doi:10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61838-8. ISSN1081-1206. PMID12775127.
^Halevy, Sima; Cohen, Arnon D; Lunenfeld, Eitan; Grossman, Nili (August 2002). "Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis manifested as erythema annulare centrifugum: Confirmation of progesterone sensitivity by in vitro interferon-gamma release". Academy of Dermatology. 47 (2): 311–313. PMID12140482.
^Shelley, Walter B; Preucel, Robert W; Spoont, Stanley S (October 5, 1964). "Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis Cure by Oophorectomy". JAMA. 190 (1): 35–38. doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03070140041004. PMID14197141.