WITHDRAWN: Antihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancy.

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 (January 2007).

SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of treatments for itching in women in late pregnancy with normal liver function.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

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.

AUTHORS'

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.