Epidemiología de las estrías gravídicas en España

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of different factors on the presence of striae prior to pregnancy as well as the development of new lesions during and after pregnancy. Subjects and methodsAn observational epidemiologic study was carried out on the prevalence and incidence of striae gravidarum and stretch marks in pregnant women. Data from 519 pregnant women were registered, including obstetric history, family history of striae gravidarum, weight prior to pregnancy, skin type, Fitzpatrick skin phototype, and current use of body creams and lotions. A multivariate analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the incidence of striae gravidarum during current pregnancy. ResultsThe prevalence of pre-pregnancy stretch marks was 85.5%, mainly observed in patients with a first pregnancy (OR=2.6), body mass index≥25 (OR=2.2), and family history of striae gravidarum (OR=2.1). The overall incidence of striae gravidarum during pregnancy was 36.8% and most of these patients had a body mass index≥25 (OR=2.2) and were younger (<30 years old; OR=1.9). Risk analysis of all the variables registered indicated a higher risk of striae gravidarum in women who were overweight prior to pregnancy (OR=1.8), those aged under 30 years (OR=2.4), and those with previous pregnancies (OR=4.3). ConclusionsPrevention of striae gravidarum should be recommended in all cases, with special emphasis on younger women and those who are overweight or obese due to their higher risk for the development of these marks during pregnancy.