Anal pruritus:Don’t look away

Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life,including their mental health.It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat.Patients often delay seeking medical attention,since it is an embarrassing but non-life-threatening situation.Pruritus ani can be associated with idiopathic and secondary causes,such as anorectal diseases,cancer(anal or colorectal),dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases,fungal infections and systemic diseases.If patients are referred for a colonoscopy,this can sometimes provide the first opportunity to evaluate the perianal area.Classifications of anal pruritus are based on the abnormalities of the perianal skin,one of the most commonly used being the Washington classi-fication.A proper digital anorectal examination is important,as well as an anoscopy to help to exclude anorectal diseases or suspicious masses.Endoscopists should be aware of the common etiologies,and classification of the perianal area abnormalities should be provided in the colonoscopy report.Information on treatment possibilities and follow-up can also be provided.The treatment normally consists of a triple approach:proper hygiene,elimination of irritants,and skin care and protection.Several topical therapies have been described as possible treatments,including steroids,capsaicin,tacrolimus and methylene blue intradermal injections.

Etiologies and Associated Factors of Generalised Pruritus Sine Materia in the Dermatology-Venerology Department of CHUD-Borgou/Alibori (Benin)

Introduction: The aim was to identify the etiologies of generalised pruritus sine materia and to determine the associated factors in Parakou. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted from January 2011 to June 2022. The patients included were of all ages and both sexes in whom the sine materia nature of the pruritus was noted after clinical examination. These patients had an etiological assessment available or not, complete or partial. For each patient, socio-demographic, socio-cultural, socio-economic and clinical data were collected using a pre-established survey form. They were then processed and analysed using Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS version 21 software respectively. Results: The incidence of generalised pruritus sine materia was 0.89% (73 cases/8214 consultants). The predominant etiologies were aquagenic pruritus (16.4%) and intestinal parasitosis (12.3%). After a bi-variate analysis, two risk factors were identified: frequency of towel change greater than 1 month (OR = 3.02;CI95% = 0.98 - 9.31;P = 0.0486) and use of cold water for bath (OR = 3.28;CI95% = 1.09 - 9.81;P = 0.0274). Conclusion: The etiologies and associated factors of generalised pruritus sine materia found in Parakou are varied but are linked to lifestyle. There is an urgent need to raise public awareness of the need to improve lifestyle in order to reduce the frequency of pruritus sine materia. .

Therapeutic Effect of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Anal Pruritus After Anorectal Surgery

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine on anal pruritus after anorectal surgery.Methods:Ninety-eight patients with anal pruritus after anorectal surgery in our hospital were selected as the research subjects.They were divided into two groups,the control group(50 cases)and the study group(48 cases),according to the treatment plan.The control group was under a simple western medicine treatment plan,while the study group was under an integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment plan.The overall efficacy,severity of anal pruritus,time to eliminate clinical symptoms,and anxiety and depression scores of the two groups of patients under different treatment plans were compared.Results:After two weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the study group was 95.83%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(82.00%,P<0.05).After 7 and 14 days of treatment,the anal pruritus scores improved significantly in both the groups,but the study group was superior to the control group,with statistical difference(P<0.01).The time of disappearance of skin itching and skin damage in the study group was shorter than that in the control group.After 14 days of treatment,the anxiety and depression scores of both groups were lower than those after 7 days of treatment;however,there was statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.01).Conclusion:In the clinical treatment of anorectal postoperative diseases,such as anal pruritus,the combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can significantly improve the symptoms of pruritus,shorten the time of disappearance of clinical symptoms,improve depression and anxiety,and create a positive clinical application value in promoting the rehabilitation of patients and improving their quality of life.

Albumin liver dialysis as pregnancy-saving procedure in cholestatic liver disease and intractable pruritus

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is a rare cholestatic liver disease. Such liver disease can get worse by female hormone disorder. Albumin dialysis or Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) has been reported to reverse severe cholestasis-linked pruritus. Here, we report the first use of MARS during a spontaneous pregnancy and its successful outcome in a patient with PFIC3 and intractable pruritus. Albumin dialysis could be considered as a pregnancy-saving procedure in pregnant women with severe cholestasis and refractory pruritus.

Recent advances in the management of pruritus in chronic liver diseases

Pruritus is a symptom found in patients with chronic liver diseases,especially cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis.This symptom impairs patient quality of life by disturbing sleep and may lead to consideration of liver transplantation.Mechanisms implicated in pruritus have been associated with the peripheral and central nervous systems,leading to the development of various therapeutic options.Little evidence for the efficacy of most of these treatments is currently available,indicating a need for further investigations.

Hepatitis C virus-associated pruritus: Etiopathogenesis and therapeutic strategies

In addition to its contributing role in the development of chronic liver diseases, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with extrahepatic manifestations, particularly, cutaneous-based disorders including those with pruritus as a symptom. Pruritus is frequently associated with the development of chronic liver diseases such as cholestasis and chronic viral infection, and the accumulation of bile acids in patients&#x02019; sera and tissues as a consequence of liver damage is considered the main cause of pruritus. In addition to their role in dietary lipid absorption, bile acids can trigger the activation of specific receptors, such as the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (GPBA/ TGR5). These types of receptors are known to play a crucial role in the modulation of the systemic actions of bile acids. TGR5 expression in primary sensory neurons triggers the activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) leading to the induction of pruritus by an unknown mechanism. Although the pathologic phenomenon of pruritus is common, there is no uniformly effective therapy available. Understanding the mechanisms regulating the occurrence of pruritus together with the conduction of large-scale clinical and evidence-based studies, may help to create a standard treatment protocol. This review focuses on the etiopathogenesis and treatment strategies of pruritus associated with chronic HCV infection.

Acupuncture Treatment for 34 Cases of Uremic Cutaneous Pruritus

Chronic renal insufficiency is the result of renal injuries and progressive deterioration caused by various reasons. At the late stage, i.e. the period of uremia, it may be complicated with abnormalities of various systems. Along with the development and popularization of hemodialysis, the survival time of uremic patients can be prolonged, but uremic pruritus affects greatly the quality of life of the patients. For this purpose, we have treated 68 cases of the patients with acupuncture and western medicine respectively, and made clinical observations on the therapeutic results. A report follows.……

Role of narrow band ultra violet radiation as an add-on therapy in peritoneal dialysis patients with refractory uremic pruritus

AIM To assess the role of narrow band ultraviolet B(UVB) as a treatment option in peritoneal dialysis patients with refractory uremic pruritus.METHODS In this retrospective study, 29 adult patients with end stage renal failure on peritoneal dialysis, and who had refractory uremic pruritus, were given narrow band UVB radiation as an add-on therapy to standard care for a duration of 12 wk. The response to the pruritus was assessed both weekly and at the end of the study period using a visual analogue score(VAS).RESULTS The average VAS score at the end of the study was 3.14 ± 1.59, which was significant compared to the baseline value of 7.75 ± 1.02(P < 0.05). Improvements in symptoms were noted in 19 out of 21(90.4%) patients. However, relapse occurred in six out of the 19 patients who responded. The dropout rate was high during the study period(33.3%).CONCLUSION Narrow band UVB is effective as an add-on therapy in peritoneal dialysis patients with refractory uremic pruritus. However, the present regime is cumbersome and patient compliance is poor.

Twenty-five Cases of Intractable Cutaneous Pruritus Treated by Auricular Acupuncture

Intractable cutaneous pruritus is a commonlyencountered symptom in clinical practice.Theauthors have treated 25 cases of intractable cutaneouspruritus mainly by auricular acupuncture in recentyears,with satisfactory results as reported in thefollowing.Clinical DataAll the 50 cases in this series were outpatientsfrom the Outpatient Department of

Study of pruritus in chronic hepatitis C patients

AIM: To investigate the occurrence and severity of pruritus in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with or without interferon (IFN) therapy.

Presence of Obstetrics Cholestasis in Mothers Presenting with Pruritus in Pregnancy: In a Low Resource South Asian Setting

Obstetric cholestasis (also referred to as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy—ICP) is a pruritic form of reversible cholestasis that is associated with significant fetal risks. There is a paucity of research regarding pregnancy outcomes of the mothers with obstetric cholestasis in the South Asian setting. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obstetric cholestasis among mothers presenting with pruritus during pregnancy and to describe the characteristics and outcomes for those diagnosed with ICP in comparison with those with pruritus in the absence of ICP. Methods: All mothers presenting with pruritus to De Soyza Maternity hospital in Colombo Sri Lanka, between 1st January 2011 to 1st January 2014, were recruited for the study. A standard set of biochemical tests were used for diagnosis of ICP. An interviewer administered questionnaire and patient records were used for data collection. Presentation, characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were assessed and compared for mothers with ICP against those with pruritus in the absence of ICP. Results: The prevalence of ICP in the study population was found to be 27% (n = 27). Generalized pruritus with pruritus of the palms and soles was identified as the commonest pattern of pruritus for diagnosed with ICP. Delivery before 37 weeks (p = 0.001), meconium stained liquor (p = 0.004), placental abruption (p = 0.005), postpartum hemorrhage (p = 0.005), bleeding manifestation (p = 0.006), preterm labor (p = 0.031) and fetal distress (p = 0.035) were found to be significantly associated with the presence of ICP. Conclusions: Nearly 1/3 of mothers presenting with pruritus in pregnancy in Sri Lanka are affected by ICP which is associated with an increase in a wide range of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes compared to those with pruritus in the absence of ICP.

Specific Patterns of Spinal Metabolite Ratio Underlying a-Me-5-HTevoked Pruritus Compared with Compound 48/80 Based on Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Summary:Mechanisms of pruritus are implicated in the dysregulation of the metabolites in the spinal cord.We investigated pruritus behavioral testing in three groups of young adult male C57B1/6 mice,including one group treated with normal saline,while the other groups intradermally injected with a-Me-5-HT(histamine-independent pruritogen),compound 48/80(histaminedependent pruritogen)at the nape skin of the neck,respectively.Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)was used to compare spinal metabolites from the vertebral cervical among three groups,and to study the association of spinal metabolite ratio and pruritus intensity.The MRS-measured N-acetylaspartate-to-myoinositol ratio(NAA/Ins)was significantly correlated with the number of scratches between normal saline group and 48/80 group or a-Me-5-HT group(both P<0.0001),indicating that NAA/Ins may be a robust surrogate marker of histamine-independent/dependent pruritogen.There was significant difference in Glu/Ins between normal saline group and 48/80 group(P=0.017),indicating that Glu/Ins may be a surrogate marker of histamine-dependent pruritogen,while GABA/Ins was highly significantly different between normal saline group and a-Me-5-HT group(P=0.008),suggesting that GABA/Ins may be a surrogate marker of histamineindependent pruritogen.MRS may reflect the extent of pruritus intensity elicited by a-Me-5-HT and compound 48/80 with sensitivity similar to the number of scratches,and above potential markers need to be further validated in pre-clinical and clinical treatment trials.

Effect of oral naltrexone on pruritus in cholestatic patients

AIM： To determine the efficacy and potential complications of oral naltrexone used in the treatment of pruritus in cholestatic patients and to compare them with other studies.METHODS： Thirty-four enrolled cholestatic patients complaining of pruritus were studied. In the initial phase, pruritus scores during day and night were evaluated. Subsequently, patients were given a placebo for one week followed by naltrexone for one week. In each therapeutic course （placebo or naltrexone） day and night pruritus scores were distinguished by a visual analogue scale （VAS） system and recorded in patients＇ questionnaires.RESULTS： Both naltrexone and placebo decreased VAS scores significantly. Naltrexone was more effective than placebo in decreasing VAS scores. Both day and night scores of pruritus decreased by half of the value prior to therapy in thirteen patients （38%）. Daytime pruritus improved completely in two patients （5.9%）, but no improvement in the nighttime values was observed in any patient. Sixteen patients （47%） suffered from naltrexone complications, eleven （32%） of them were related to its withdrawal. Complications were often mild. In the case of withdrawal, the complication was transient （within the first 24-28 h of therapy） and self-limited. We had to cease the drug in two cases （5.9%） because of severe withdrawal symptoms. CONCLUSION： Naltrexone can be used in the treatment of pruritus in cholestatic patients and is a safe drug showing few, mild and self-limited complications.

Effects of Silk Fibroin Moisturizing Cream on Acetone/Ether-Induced Dry Skin Pruritus in Mice

Objectives: The morbidity of dry and itchy skin was high during a person’s lifetime and it had a significant negative impact. This study aimed to investigate the positive effect of silk fibroin moisturizing cream on dry skin pruritus induced by acetone/ether-water (AEW) method in mice. Method: We established a dry skin model in mice with AEW treatment, and the control group was treated with ultrapure water. The mice in AEW model group were locally administrated with silk fibroin moisturizing cream (SilkArmor)&reg;. The transepidermal water loss (TEWL), scratching behavior, condition of skin erythema, skin histology (by hematoxylin-eosin staining) and the results of electron microscopy were measured to evaluate the positive effect of SilkArmor on dry and itchy skin in mice. Results: The TEWL value, spontaneous scratching behavior and erythema score were significantly increased after AEW modeling compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the TEWL value, scratching behavior and erythema score between the SilkArmor group and the control group (P > 0.05). Compared with the AEW group, the value of TEWL, scratching behavior and the erythema score of mice in the AEW + SilkArmor group were improved, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Skin histopathology and electron microscopy also showed that SilkArmor had certain improvement and repairment on AEW-induced skin pathological changes. Conclusions: A dry skin model was successfully established in this experiment, showing that SilkArmor brought an obvious alleviation to AEW-induced dry and itchy skin in mice.

Clinical Observation of Zhuang Medicine Crystal Sugar Ye'An Decoction in Treating Senile Skin Pruritus and Its Effects on Serum lgE

Objective:To discuss the specific application of Zhuang Medicine Crystal Sugar Ye'An Decoction in senile skin pruritus and its effects on serum IgE detection level.Methods:90 patients with senile skin pruritus admitted to our hospital from February 2019 to April 2020 were randomly grouped.The general treatment effect,itching,secondary skin lesion severity,sernum IL-6,IgE level and adverse reactions between 45 patients treated with Chlorcyclizine Hydrochloride Tablets(The control group)and 45 patients treated with Crystal Sugar Ye'An Decoction were compared.Results:The total effective rate of the treatment in the observation group was 93.33%,much higher than that in the control group,75.56%.The difference was verified and statistically significant(P<0.05).Before the treatment,the itching area,frequency,duration and severity of secondary skin lesions were at the same level(P>0.05).After the treatment,the above data were all reduced,and the reduction of the observation group was more significant than that of the control group,indicating the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Before the treatment,there was no difference in serum IL-6 and IgE test data between the two groups(P>0.05).After the treatment,the tendency all declined,and that of the observation group was more obvious,indicating the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).During the experiment,no obvious adverse reactions were observed in both groups.Conclusion:In the treatment of patients with senile pruritus,the application of Zhuang Medicine Crystal Sugar Ye’An Decoction is not only safe and reliable,but can promote the improvement of patients'symptoms,adjust the level of inflammatory factors,and enhance clinical efficacy.

Effect of lavender aromatherapy on pruritus, anxiety, and sleep quality of patients undergoing hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial

Background:Patie nts un dergo ing hemodialysis experie nces some symptoms.Pruritus,an xiety,and sleep quality are three of the most com mon symptoms.Eve n though some pharmacological treatme nts use to cope with these symptoms,they are still experie need by the patie nts at a high level.Aim:This study aimed to determine the effect of lavender oil aromatherapy on pruritus,anxiety,and sleep quality of patients undergoing hemodialysis.Method:This randomized con trolled study was carried out betwee n December 2019 and March 2020.Eighty of 895 eligible patients were included in the study.Aromatherapy inhalation and massage together applied to the patients for six weeks.5D-Itch Scale,State Anxiety Inventory(SAI),and Richard Campbell Sleep Questio nn aire(RCSQ)were used for data collecti on.IBM SPSS 25.0 were used for statistical an alysis.Mann-Whit ney U,Wilcox on sig ned-ra nks test,and repeated measures-ANOVA tests were used to compare the difference between the groups and simple regression analysis to investigate the relationship between the dependent and independent variables.Results:Most of the patients were male(57.5%)and aged between 41 and 55 years(52.5%).There was significant difference in the mean scores of SAI(Pretest:44.02±5.33,Post-test:35.40±4.52,P=0.003),5D-Itch scale(Pretest:9.80±2.04,Post-test:7.00±2.31,P=0.001),and RCSQ(Pretest:17.11±40.30,Post-test:58.55±33.74,P=0.002)with in time in the in terve ntio n group.There was a statistically significant differenee between the groups regarding the mean scores of SAI(Intervention:35.40±4.52,Control:46.84±4.62,P=0.003),5D-Itch scale(Intervention:7.00±2.31,Control:8.96±2.05,P=0.004),and RCSQ(Intervention:58.55±33.74,Control:19.93±28.36,P=0.001)after the intervention.Conclusion:After six-weeks intervention,lavender aromatherapy was found an effective way to reduce pruritus,anxiety and to improve the sleep quality of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Alleviating Skin Barrier Disruption,Skin Inflammation,and Pruritus:A Moisturizing Spray Containingβ-Glucan and Panthenol

Objective:Inflammatory skin diseases were proved to be associated with dry skin-induced pruritus.However,the relationship between skin inflammation,skin barrier function,and pruritus remains unclarified.The present study aimed to explore this relationship using an acetone-ether-water(AEW)mouse model,and to investigate the anti-itch effects of the combined application ofβ-glucan and panthenol in a moisturizing spray in this mouse model.Methods:A dry skin-induced chronic pruritus mouse model was established by repeated AEW treatment of the skin.The pruritic behavior,skin barrier function,and expression of molecules related to pruritus and inflammation in topical lesions were measured.The effects of a spray containingβ-glucan and panthenol were observed.Thet test and one-way analysis of variance were used to evaluate differences between groups.Results:AEW treatment triggered spontaneous scratching with significantly increased numbers of scratching bouts,and disrupted the skin barrier with a significant increase in transepidermal water loss values and a significant decrease in filaggrin gene(FLG)expression(allP<0.01).AEW treatment also significantly increased the expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD,caspase-1,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α,as well as the pruritus-associated molecules nerve growth factor,cathepsin S,and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the skin(allP<0.01).Application of the spray containingβ-glucan and panthenol significantly alleviated these responses,resulting in a reduced number of scratching bouts in 1 hour,reduced transepidermal water loss values,increased filaggrin mRNA expression,and reduced mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD,caspase-1,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,cathepsin S,thymic stromal lymphopoietin,and nerve growth factor in skin lesions(allP<0.05).Conclusion:The present results suggest a relationship between damaged skin barrier function,pruritus,and inflammation.Addingβ-glucan and panthenol to moisturizing skincare products may alleviate pruritus induced by dry skin,improve the damaged skin barrier function,and reduce the inflammatory state in local skin areas.

Diagnosis and management of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis and psychosocial stressors in an adolescent:A case report

BACKGROUND Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis(BRIC)is a rare autosomal recessive disorder,characterized by episodes of intense pruritus,elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin,and near-normal-glutamyl transferase.These episodes may persist for weeks to months before spontaneously resolving,with patients typically remaining asymptomatic between occurrences.Diagnosis entails the evaluation of clinical symptoms and targeted genetic testing.Although BRIC is recognized as a benign genetic disorder,the triggers,particularly psychosocial factors,remain poorly understood.CASE SUMMARY An 18-year-old Chinese man presented with recurrent jaundice and pruritus after a cold,which was exacerbated by self-medication involving vitamin B and paracetamol.Clinical and laboratory evaluations revealed elevated levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes,in the absence of viral or autoimmune liver disease.Imaging excluded biliary and pancreatic abnormalities,and liver biopsy demonstrated centrilobular cholestasis,culminating in a BRIC diagnosis confirmed by the identification of a novel ATP8B1 gene mutation.Psychological assessment of the patient unveiled stress attributable to academic and familial pressures,regarded as potential triggers for BRIC.Initial relief was observed with ursodeoxycholic acid and cetirizine,followed by an adjustment of the treatment regimen in response to elevated liver enzymes.The patient's condition significantly improved following a stress-related episode,thanks to a comprehensive management approach that included psychosocial support and medical treatment.CONCLUSION Our research highlights genetic and psychosocial influences on BRIC,emphasizing integrated diagnostic and management strategies.

A Case Report on Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM)

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic hookworm infection of dogs and cats commonly found in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions and travellers to these regions. It is caused by invasion of the skin by the parasitic larvae of hookworms which, after entry, move under the skin causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in a single or multiple tracks. Patients commonly present with a progressive, itchy, erythematous serpiginous skin rash, affecting the feet, although it can affect any other parts of the body. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and physical examination. Treatment of this condition can effectively be achieved with either albendazole or ivermectin. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with CLM after presenting to the hospital with a history of a progressive itchy rash with tracks on the left foot. Although CLM is a self-limiting disease, it causes a lot of suffering and, therefore, it is of public concern. There is a need to increase awareness of this disease among health workers, and to implement and promote preventive measures against the disease since the cause is known.

Assessment of the Visual Analogue Score in the Evaluation of the Pruritus of Cholestasis

Background and Aims:A visual analogue score (VAS),based on application of a visual analogue scale,has been widely used to assess pruritus in clinical studies of patients with cholestatic liver disease.A VAS is a numerical score of the severity of the perception of pruritus,and,hence,is inherently subjective.The objective of this study was to assessthe reliability of a VAS as an index of pruritus in cholestatic patients.Methods:In 8 patients with chronic pruritus due to primary biliary cholangitis,values for a VAS of pruritus were compared with corresponding measurements of scratching activity,which were generated by a monitoring system specifically designed to quantitate this activity.The relationship between individual values for the VAS and corresponding values for scratching activity during a specific interval immediately preceding the recording of the VAS was examined by determining the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.Results:The mean Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between individual values for the VAS and corresponding mean values for scratching activity was 0.072;the range of these coefficients was-0.04 to 0.26.A VAS of pruritus is an unreliable index of scratching activity,and,hence,of the pathophysiological process responsible for the pruritus of cholestasis.Conclusion:It is concluded that the use of a VAS as a primary quantitative endpoint in trials of the efficacy of potential therapies for the pruritus of cholestasis may be inappropriate.