WITHDRAWN: Antihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancy.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.