Low ferritin levels in pregnancy are associated with a higher probability of generalised pruritus

Low ferritin levels in pregnancy are associated with a markedly higher probability of generalised pruritus. A ferritin level below 20 ng/mL was linked to an almost 22-fold higher likelihood of pruritus in pregnant women, whereas decreased vitamin B12 levels showed no significant association.

“We aimed to investigate the relationship between iron deficiency and pruritus in pregnant women without primary skin disease,” Dr Kerem Balan (Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey) explained [1]. The study included pregnant women with generalised pruritus (N=68) but no prior history of itch and a comparison group of women with other skin problems (N=31) between 2016 and 2024.

The groups were compared for demographics and laboratory results. Pregnant women with pruritus differed significantly from those without in age (28.9 vs 31.6 years; P=0.026), ferritin levels (24.0 vs 39.3 ng/mL; P<0.01), vitamin B12 (161.4 vs 250.2 pg/mL, P<0.01), haemoglobin (11.5 vs 12.3 g/dL, P=0.03), gestational week (25.23 vs 21.21; P=0.035) and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) (436.4 vs 378.6 mcg/dL; P=0.017).

After determining optimal cut-off values for vitamin B12 and ferritin through univariate analysis, the researchers performed a multivariate regression to identify factors significantly associated with pruritus in pregnant women. Age, gestational week, and vitamin B12 <197.5 pg/mL were not significantly associated, but ferritin < 20 ng/mL was strongly linked to pruritus, with an odds ratio of 21.9 (95% CI 5.9-80.03; P<0.001). These findings suggest a potential aetiologic role of iron deficiency in pruritus during pregnancy.

“Iron deficiency is a major risk factor for pruritus in pregnancy. Early detection and management of iron deficiency may relieve symptoms and improve maternal well-being,” Dr Balan concluded. He also noted the need for further research, as the presented study was retrospective.

1. Balan K, et al. Pruritus in pregnancy: is there a link to iron deficiency? EPS04.05, EADV Congress 2025, 17–20 September, Paris, France.

Medical writing support was provided by Dr Susanne Kammerer and Karin Drooff

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Posted on 22 September 2025