Cholestatic pruritus: a knowledge update

Abstract 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.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nietsche,Thaís Reginatto, Dotta,Gabriel, Barcaui,Carlos Baptista, Ferraz,Maria Lúcia Cardoso Gomes
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia 2022
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0365-05962022000300332
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!