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Translational Psychiatry Mar 2018Psychogenic itch can be defined as "an itch disorder where itch is at the center of the symptomatology and where psychological factors play an evident role in the... (Review)
Review
Psychogenic itch can be defined as "an itch disorder where itch is at the center of the symptomatology and where psychological factors play an evident role in the triggering, intensity, aggravation, or persistence of the pruritus." The disorder is poorly known by both psychiatrists and dermatologists and this review summarizes data on psychogenic itch. Because differential diagnosis is difficult, the frequency is poorly known. The burden is huge for people suffering from this disorder but a management associating psychological and pharmacological approach could be very helpful. Classification, psychopathology, and physiopathology are still debating. New data from brain imaging could be very helpful. Psychological factors are known to modulate itch in all patients, but there is a specific diagnosis of psychogenic itch that must be proposed cautiously. Neurophysiological and psychological theories are not mutually exclusive and can be used to better understand this disorder. Itch can be mentally induced. Opioids and other neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine, are probably involved in this phenomenon.
Topics: Humans; Pruritus; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Somatoform Disorders
PubMed: 29491364
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7 -
Australian Family Physician Jun 2010Anal pruritus affects up to 5% of the population. It is often persistent and the constant urge to scratch the area can cause great distress. Although usually caused by a...
BACKGROUND
Anal pruritus affects up to 5% of the population. It is often persistent and the constant urge to scratch the area can cause great distress. Although usually caused by a combination of irritants, particularly faecal soiling and dietary factors, it can be a symptom of serious dermatosis, skin or generalised malignancy or systemic illness.
OBJECTIVE
This article discusses the assessment and management of pruritus ani.
DISCUSSION
It is important not to trivialise the symptom of anal pruritus and to enquire about patient concerns regarding diagnosis. Once serious pathology has been excluded, management involves education about the condition; elimination of irritants contributing to the itch-scratch cycle including faecal soiling, dietary factors, soaps and other causes of contact dermatitis; and use of emollients and topical corticosteroid ointments. Compounded 0.006% capsaicin appears to be a safe and valid option for pruritus not responding despite adherence to these conservative measures.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Pruritus Ani
PubMed: 20628673
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Network Open May 2022Patients with pruritus receiving hemodialysis frequently experience oppressive physical and psychiatric symptoms that directly affect their quality of life and increase... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Patients with pruritus receiving hemodialysis frequently experience oppressive physical and psychiatric symptoms that directly affect their quality of life and increase mortality. However, treatment options are limited.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinically recommended dose of difelikefalin, a κ-opioid receptor agonist, based on the efficacy, dose response, safety, and pharmacokinetics.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-arm phase 2 trial was conducted from February 1, 2019, to October 22, 2019, at 94 sites in Japan. Patients with moderate to severe pruritus receiving hemodialysis were enrolled.
INTERVENTIONS
Difelikefalin (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 μg/kg) and placebo were intravenously administered 3 times a week at the end of each hemodialysis session for 8 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES
The primary end point was the change from baseline in the weekly mean Worst Itching Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score at week 8. Secondary outcomes measured changes in itch-related quality-of-life score using the Skindex-16 and 5-D itch scale. Safety was assessed according to adverse events, laboratory tests, vital signs, body weight, and 12-lead electrocardiogram.
RESULTS
A total of 247 Japanese patients (186 male [75%]; mean [SD] age, 64.5 [11.7] years) were randomized to placebo (n = 63), 0.25 μg/kg of difelikefalin (n = 61), 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin (n = 61), or 1.0 μg/kg of difelikefalin (n = 62). The changes from baseline in the adjusted mean (SE) of the 24-hour Worst Itching Intensity NRS score at week 8 were -2.86 (0.29) in the placebo group, -2.97 (0.29) in the 0.25 μg/kg of difelikefalin group, -3.65 (0.30) in the 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin group, and -3.64 (0.30) in the 1.0 μg/kg of difelikefalin group. Significant differences were found in the 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin group (adjusted mean difference, -0.80; 95% CI, -1.55 to -0.04; P = .04) and the 1.0 μg/kg of difelikefalin group (adjusted mean difference, -0.78; 95% CI, -1.54 to -0.03; P = .04) compared with placebo. The Skindex-16 overall score and 5-D itch scale total score indicated an improvement with treatment with 0.5 and 1.0 μg/kg of difelikefalin (adjusted weekly mean [SE] Skindex-16 overall score at week 8, -27.79 [2.05]; 95% CI, -31.83 to -23.74 for 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin and -22.69 [2.04]; 95% CI, -26.71 to -18.68 for 1.0 μg/kg of difelikefalin; adjusted weekly mean [SE] 5-D itch scale total score at week 8, -6.5 [0.4]; 95% CI, -7.2 to -5.8 for 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin and -6.8 [0.3]; 95% CI, -7.5 to -6.2 for 1.0 μg/kg of difelikefalin). The incidence of adverse events was 67% (42 of 63 patients) in the placebo group, 72% (44 of 61 patients) in the 0.25 μg/kg of difelikefalin group, 77% (47 of 61 patients) in the 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin group, and 85% (53 of 62 patients) in the 1.0 μg/kg of difelikefalin group. No dependency was reported.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings of this phase 2 randomized clinical trial of difelikefalin suggest that 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin should be the clinically recommended dose as a new option for treating moderate to severe pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis because of its efficacy, acceptable tolerability, and manageable safety profile.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03802617.
Topics: Female; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Piperidines; Pruritus; Quality of Life; Renal Dialysis
PubMed: 35511180
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.10339 -
Allergology International : Official... Jan 2017Chronic pruritus is a complex multifactorial symptom associated with many different diseases that represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians. In... (Review)
Review
Chronic pruritus is a complex multifactorial symptom associated with many different diseases that represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians. In order to better manage chronic pruritus, a detailed medical history, individualized diagnostic procedures and treatment approaches are necessary. Treatment should not only take itch into consideration, but also scratching-induced skin lesions and accompanying disorders such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. Various standardized questionnaires and scales have been developed to assist in the characterization and assessment of these parameters. Monodimensional scales (e.g. the visual analogue scale) represent a simple method for assessing pruritus intensity and are frequently used; however, they can easily be confounded and may indicate the level of satisfaction regarding the medical care provided rather than the itch course. The Dynamic Pruritus Score and Itch-Free Days questionnaire enable a closer assessment of patient responses to treatment. Because chronic pruritus has the potential to greatly impact the quality of life, it is important that physicians recognize it as a major issue. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index is an instrument that is used in a variety of dermatological conditions, but may be unsuitable for measuring pruritus of extracutaneous origin. The ItchyQol is a tool designed specifically for those suffering from pruritus. Additional tools, such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, take psychiatric comorbidities into consideration. Recommendations from European (EADV-based Task Force Pruritus) and international (International Forum for the Study of Itch) expert groups focusing on assessment instruments for chronic pruritus are also provided in this article.
Topics: Cost of Illness; Humans; Pruritus; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 27634668
DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2016.08.009 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Jan 2022
Topics: Animals; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Neurogenic Inflammation; Pruritus; Quality of Life; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 34924149
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.11.003 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Jan 2024Chronic prurigo (CPG) is a neuroinflammatory, fibrotic dermatosis that is defined by the presence of chronic pruritus (itch lasting longer than 6 weeks),... (Review)
Review
Chronic prurigo (CPG) is a neuroinflammatory, fibrotic dermatosis that is defined by the presence of chronic pruritus (itch lasting longer than 6 weeks), scratch-associated pruriginous skin lesions and history of repeated scratching. Patients with CPG experience a significant psychological burden and a notable impairment in their quality of life. Chronic prurigo of nodular type (CNPG; synonym: prurigo nodularis) represents the most common subtype of CPG. As CNPG is representative for all CPG subtypes, we refer in this review to both CNPG and CPG. We provide an overview of the clinical characteristics and assessment of CPG, the burden of disease and the underlying pathophysiology including associated therapeutic targets. The information provided results from a PubMed search for the latest publications and a database search for current clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register [European Medicines Agency]; using the following terms or combinations of terms: 'chronic prurigo', 'prurigo', 'prurigo nodularis', 'pathophysiology', 'therapy', 'biologics', 'treatment'). Dupilumab is the first authorized systemic therapy by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CNPG to date. Topical and systemic agents that are currently under investigation in clinical randomized, placebo-controlled phase II and III trials such as biologics (e.g., nemolizumab, vixarelimab/KPL-716, barzolvolimab/CDX-0159), small molecules (ruxolitinib cream, povorcitinib/INCB054707, abrocitinib) and the opioid modulator nalbuphine are highlighted. In the last past 15 years, several milestones have been reached regarding the disease understanding of CPG such as first transcriptomic analysis, first terminology, first guideline, and first therapy approval in 2022, which contributed to improved medical care of affected patients. The broad range of identified targets, current case observations and initiated trials offers the possibility of more drug approvals in the near future.
Topics: Humans; Prurigo; Quality of Life; Pruritus; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37717255
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00818-z -
Acta Clinica Croatica Dec 2018- Notalgia paresthetica is a common, although under-recognized condition characterized by localized chronic pruritus in the upper back, most often affecting middle-aged... (Review)
Review
- Notalgia paresthetica is a common, although under-recognized condition characterized by localized chronic pruritus in the upper back, most often affecting middle-aged women. Apart from pruritus, patients may present with a burning or cold sensation, tingling, surface numbness, tenderness and foreign body sensation. Additionally, patients often present with hyperpigmented skin at the site of symptoms. The etiology of this condition is still poorly understood, although a number of hypotheses have been described. It is widely accepted that notalgia paresthetica is a sensory neuropathy caused by alteration and damage to posterior rami of thoracic spinal nerves T2 through T6. To date, no well-defined treatment has been found, although many treatment modalities have been reported with varying success, usually providing only temporary relief.
Topics: Back; Disease Management; Female; Humans; Hyperesthesia; Paresthesia; Pruritus; Sex Factors; Skin; Spinal Nerves
PubMed: 31168209
DOI: 10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.14 -
Seminars in Nephrology Jul 2015Pruritus is a common and distressing symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease. The most recent epidemiologic data have suggested that approximately 40% of... (Review)
Review
Pruritus is a common and distressing symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease. The most recent epidemiologic data have suggested that approximately 40% of patients with end-stage renal disease experience moderate to severe pruritus and that uremic pruritus (UP) has a major clinical impact, being associated strongly with poor quality of life, impaired sleep, depression, and increased mortality. The pathogenesis of UP remains largely unclear, although several theories on etiologic or contributing factors have been proposed including increased systemic inflammation; abnormal serum parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus levels; an imbalance in opiate receptors; and a neuropathic process. UP can present somewhat variably, although it tends to affect large, discontinuous, but symmetric, areas of skin and to be most symptomatic at night. A variety of alternative systemic or dermatologic conditions should be considered, especially in patients with asymmetric pruritus or other atypical features. Treatment initially should focus on aggressive skin hydration, patient education on minimizing scratching, and optimization of the aspects of chronic kidney disease care that are most relevant to pruritus, including dialysis adequacy and serum parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus management. Data for therapy specifically for UP remain limited, although topical therapies, gabapentin, type B ultraviolet light phototherapy, acupuncture, and opioid-receptor modulators all may play a role.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Prevalence; Pruritus; Quality of Life; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26355256
DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2015.06.009 -
Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 2022This review is focused on updating knowledge about cholestatic pruritus. It summarizes clinical-epidemiological characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnostic approach,... (Review)
Review
This review is focused on updating knowledge about cholestatic pruritus. It summarizes clinical-epidemiological characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and evidence-based therapeutic recommendations regarding this form of pruritus. Pruritus is a frequent symptom that accompanies several liver diseases, particularly cholestatic ones. The symptom may be mild and tolerable, but it can also dramatically reduce the quality of life. Although the exact pathophysiology of this form of pruritus remains unclear, current evidence supports a mixed origin. It is extremely important for dermatologists to have knowledge about cholestatic pruritus since they are usually the first physicians to be sought by the patient when they experience the symptom. In the absence of specific dermatological alterations, cholestasis must always be considered as a possible cause of pruritus. In addition to allowing an adequate diagnosis, a better pathophysiological understanding of hepatic pruritus provides the identification of new therapeutic targets and, consequently, optimization of the approach in patients with this condition.
Topics: Cholestasis; Humans; Pruritus; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35279351
DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2021.06.007 -
American Family Physician Sep 2003Pruritus is a common manifestation of dermatologic diseases, including xerotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Effective treatment of...
Pruritus is a common manifestation of dermatologic diseases, including xerotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Effective treatment of pruritus can prevent scratch-induced complications such as lichen simplex chronicus and impetigo. Patients, particularly elderly adults, with severe pruritus that does not respond to conservative therapy should be evaluated for an underlying systemic disease. Causes of systemic pruritus include uremia, cholestasis, polycythemia vera, Hodgkin's lymphoma, hyperthyroidism, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Skin scraping, biopsy, or culture may be indicated if skin lesions are present. Diagnostic testing is directed by the clinical evaluation and may include a complete blood count and measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone, serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels. Chest radiography and testing for HIV infection may be indicated in some patients. Management of nonspecific pruritus is directed mostly at preventing xerosis. Management of disease-specific pruritus has been established for certain systemic conditions, including uremia and cholestasis.
Topics: Cholestasis; Dermatitis; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pruritus
PubMed: 14524401
DOI: No ID Found