• Phassawan Rungsiprakarn, Malinee Laopaiboon, Ussanee S Sangkomkamhang, and Pisake Lumbiganon.
• Cochrane Thailand, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mittapharp Road, Amphur Mueng, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40002.
• Cochrane Db Syst Rev. 2016 Feb 19; 2: CD011351.

BackgroundGeneralised itching is one of the most common dermatological symptoms in pregnant women. Having itchy skin during pregnancy may be very frustrating and can lead to poor sleep, exhaustion and impaired quality of life. There is a need for a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for treating itching in pregnancy.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for treating generalised itching (not caused by systemic diseases or skin lesions) in pregnancy.Search MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (28 January 2016) and the reference list of the one identified study.Selection CriteriaAll published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating interventions for itching in pregnancy.Quasi-RCTs, cluster-RCTs, RCTs using a cross-over design, and studies reported in abstract form (without full text) were not eligible for inclusion.Data Collection And AnalysisTwo review authors independently assessed the one trial report that was identified from the search strategy and this was subsequently excluded.Main ResultsThere are no included studies as we did not identify any relevant trials.Authors' ConclusionsGeneralised itching (not caused by systemic disease or skin lesions) is quite a common symptom in pregnancy. However, there is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to guide practice in terms of the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for treating this condition.Well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of topical and systemic pharmacological interventions as well as any adverse effects of the interventions. Such studies should consider important outcomes such as relief of itching, women's satisfaction, sleep disturbance, and adverse effects.

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