The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

Skin Therapy Letter .com

Written for dermatologists by dermatologists. Indexed by the US National Library of Medicine.
Skin Therapy Letter About STL Subscribe Today Dermatology Dictionary

Skin Information N E T W O R K

SkinCareGuide Network

Site Map

CUSTOM DERMATOLOGY SEARCH:

Skin Therapy Letter Articles

Volume 18 - 2013 Articles Volume 17 - 2012 Articles Volume 16 - 2011 Articles Volume 15 - 2010 Articles Volume 14 - 2009 Articles Volume 13 - 2008 Articles Volume 12 - 2007 Articles Volume 11 - 2006 Articles Volume 10 - 2005 Articles Volume 9 - 2004 Articles Volume 8 - 2003 Articles Volume 7 - 2002 Articles Volume 6 - 2001 Articles Volume 5 - 2000 Articles Volume 4 - 1999 Articles Volume 3 - 1998 Articles Volume 2 - 1996-97 Articles

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

Tejesh Patel, MD and Gil Yosipovitch, MD
2,3 1

1. Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA 2. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA 3. Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

ABSTRACT
The elderly in North America represent the fastest growing segment of the population and the most common skin complaint in this age group is pruritus. The multitude of variables that come with advanced age means that the management of pruritus in the elderly poses a particular therapeutic challenge. Pruritus in advanced age may result from a variety of etiologies, although xerosis is the most common. In addition, certain cutaneous and systemic diseases that are associated with pruritus are more prevalent in the elderly. At present, there is no universally accepted therapy for pruritus. Currently, management of pruritus in the elderly must take an individualistically tailored approach with consideration of the patients general health, the severity of symptoms, and the adverse effects of treatment. Physical and cognitive limitations, multiple comorbid conditions, and polypharmacy are some aspects that can influence the choice of treatment in this age group.

STL Family Practice Edition

Volume 9 - 2013 Articles Volume 8 - 2012 Articles Volume 7 - 2011 Articles Volume 6 - 2010 Articles Volume 5 - 2009 Articles Volume 4 - 2008 Articles Volume 3 - 2007 Articles Volume 2 - 2006 Articles US Volume 1 - 2006 Articles

1 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

Volume 1 - 2005 Articles

Key Words:
Medical Treatments
Acne Treatment Cold Sores Treatment Eczema Treatment Fungal Treatment Psoriasis Treatment Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Rosacea Treatment Skin Cancer Treatment Skin Care Treatments Bacterial Infection Treatment Lice Treatment Herpes Treatment Lupus Treatment Wart Treatment

aging skin, comorbidity, itch, pruritus, xerosis Pruritus is the most common skin complaint in patients over the age of 65 years.1,2 This often neglected symptom can have a profound impact on the quality of life in the elderly, especially through sleep deprivation. Given the multitude of variables that come with advanced age, the management of pruritus in the elderly poses a particular clinical challenge.
Pathophysiology

Natural Psoriasis Therapy

AidanceProducts.com/Psori

Rapid Relief from Psoriasis Itch, Scaling & Discomfort. Guaranteed.

Pruritus in advanced age may result from a variety of etiologies. Xerosis (dry skin), which increases with age, is probably the most common cause of pruritus in the elderly. systems undergo atrophy, leading to suboptimal moisture retention. However, many elderly patients have pruritic skin without xerosis. Other skin changes in advanced aged patients that may contribute to itch include decreased skin surface lipids and clearance of transepidermally absorbed materials from the dermis, reduced sweat and sebum production, as well as diminished barrier repair.
4 3,4

Hemodialysis Leader Nordic Reindeer Hides AIFMD Solutions

As

skin ages, the integumentary and vascular

Doctor's Toolbox
A-Details Dermatology Review Meetings and Proceedings CME / CHE

A decline of normal immune function that occurs with aging also produces a higher incidence of autoimmune skin disorders that can induce pruritus, such as bullous pemphigoid and postherpetic neuralgia. Additional factors may also play a role, such as age-related changes in nerve fibers and polypharmacy. Certain cutaneous and systemic disorders that are associated with pruritus are also more prevalent in advanced aged patients (as discussed below). However, in many instances, no apparent cause is found.
Clinical Features

Derm News Archives

Dermatology News 2007 Dermatology News 2006

A detailed history, review of systems, and physical examination are of prime importance in guiding antipruritic treatment of senescent skin. Once cutaneous and systemic causes of itch are excluded, idiopathic itch of the elderly may be considered. However, if an underlying cause is discovered, it should be addressed,

2 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

as this frequently leads to symptomatic improvement. Certain pruritic cutaneous diseases are more prevalent in the elderly population, such as xerosis, nummular dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. The later is especially common in patients with dementia and Parkinsons disease. Systemic diseases that are associated with pruritus, such as chronic kidney disease, hepatic dysfunction, and endocrine disorders, are also more prevalent in the elderly. Notably, infectious etiologies of pruritus, including scabies and lice, may be more common in this age group especially within institutionalized care settings. In addition, medications frequently used in the elderly increase the possibility of drug-induced pruritus (e.g., aspirin, opioids, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors). Another serious consideration in this cohort is that chronic pruritus may be a presenting sign of underlying malignancy (e.g., low grade lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myleodysplastic syndromes), and thus, any case with a high index of suspicion necessitates a thorough work-up.
5

Psychogenic and neuropathic disorders are also common causes in this age group.
General Principles
6

The management of pruritus in the elderly poses a particular challenge. Physical and cognitive impairments may make application of topical treatments impossible and compliance an issue. Comorbid conditions, especially those involving the liver and kidney, as well as the frequent polypharmacy in this age group, confers a greater risk of adverse drug reactions. At present, there is no universally accepted therapy for itch. Instead, management of pruritus, especially in the elderly, requires an individualistically tailored approach with consideration of the patients general health, the severity of symptoms, and the adverse effects of available treatments. Some of the treatments discussed are unlicensed for use in pruritus and should be administered under a specialist setting. There are a number of general measures that may be useful in the management of pruritus in the elderly, irrespective of the underlying cause (Table 1). Patient education is central to the management of pruritus.
7

Identifying and removing aggravating factors are often the initial steps in effective treatment. Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is critical and patients should be informed of the increased cutaneous inflammation that scratching causes. Simple measures, such as keeping finger nails short, may help to interrupt this vicious cycle. The sensation of pruritus is often heightened by warmth, thus, where appropriate, measures such as tepid showering, wearing light clothing, and the use of air conditioning should be undertaken to keep the skin cool. Wherever possible, simple topical regimens are preferable in order to

3 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

maximize compliance and limit potential adverse drug reactions.

General Measures to Reduce Pruritus Using moisturizers or barrier creams regularly (ideally with low pH) Applying moisturizers immediately following bathing will ensure a higher retention of moisture Keeping finger nails short Wearing light and loose clothing Maintaining a comfortable temperature Using a humidifier in the winter Using an air conditioner in the summer Restricting time in the shower or bathtub Showering/bathing in cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can be drying Avoiding cleansers with a high pH or those containing alcohol

Table 1. General measures for the management of pruritus

Topical Treatments

Moisturizers, Emollients and Barrier Creams Moisturizers, emollients, and barrier repair creams are the mainstay of pruritus treatment in the elderly, especially in cases associated with xerosis. These nonpharmacologic compounds reduce pruritus through improving barrier function by helping to prevent transepidermal water loss and possibly preventing the entry of irritants and other itch-causing agents. Topical therapies with a low pH may be especially useful in optimizing the skin barrier function through their maintenance of the normal acidic pH of the skin surface. In addition, low pH topical therapies may be of further benefit through their reduction in the activity of serine proteases, such as mast cell tryptase, which is known to activate protease-activating receptor 2 (PAR2) on skin nerve fibers. This notion stems from recent studies suggesting serine proteases, via PAR2 located on C fiber terminals, may play an important role in mediating pruritus.
8,9

Topical Corticosteroids Topical corticosteroids do not directly exert antipruritic effects, instead their therapeutic benefits are derived from their anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, they should only be used to provide relief of itching that is associated with inflammatory skin diseases, such as nummular dermatitis or psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids should not be used to treat generalized chronic itch or for prolonged periods. Of note, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects (especially skin thinning) from the excessive use of topical corticosteroids.
10

Topical Immunomodulators The topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, have been shown to be effective in reducing pruritus in conditions such as chronic irritant hand dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, graft-versus-host disease, lichen sclerosis, anogenital pruritus, and prurigo nodularis.
11

The antipruritic effects of

topical calcineurin inhibitors may be mediated via TRPV1, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of excitatory ion channels, located on

4 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

nerve fibers. Although the recognized side-effects of these agents include transient burning and stinging sensations, they are particularly useful in the elderly as there is no associated risk of skin atrophy. Menthol Menthol, a naturally occurring cyclic terpene alcohol of plant origin, is frequently used as a topical antipruritic at concentrations of 1-3%. It has been shown that menthol elicits the same cooling sensation as low temperature through the TRPM8 receptor.
12

Both cooling the skin and menthol use result in the relief of

experimentally induced itch, although the latter is not associated with a decrease in skin temperature. Of note, elderly patients who report a reduction in pruritus with cooling may especially benefit from topical therapies containing menthol.
12

Capsaicin Capsaicin has been reported to have a beneficial effect in chronic, localized pruritic disorders, particularly those of neuropathic origin, which are common in the elderly (e.g., postherpetic neuralgia, notalgia paresthetica, and brachioradial pruritus).
13,14

The TRPV1 receptor has recently been implicated in A recognized side-effect is an initial intense

the pathogenesis of pruritus and may be the target through which capsaicin exerts its antipruritic effect.
15

transient burning sensation at the application site, which may lead to poor compliance, particularly in the elderly. Local Anesthetics Pramoxine, a local anesthetic, reduces itch by interfering with transmission of impulses along sensory nerve fibers and has been shown to reduce pruritus in adult hemodialysis patients in a double-blinded study.
16

Polidocanol is a

non-ionicsurfactant with both local anesthetic properties and moisturizing effects. A combination of 5% urea and 3% polidocanol was found to significantly reduce pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis.
17

Topical Salicylic Acid Topical salicylic acid, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, has been shown to significantly reduce pruritus in patients with lichen simplex chronicus, possibly due to their inhibitory effects on prostanoids.
18,19

Of note, oral salicylates do not relieve

pruritus except in polycythemia vera. Topical Cannabinoids N-palmitoylethanolamine, a cannabinoid receptor CB2 agonist, has been incorporated into creams and shown to reduce pruritus reported in patients with atopic dermatitis, lichen simplex, prurigo nodularis, and chronic kidney diseaseassociated itching.
20-22

Systemic Treatments

Antihistamines With the exception of chronic urticaria, antihistamines have little effect on conditions associated with pruritus. Sedating (first generation) antihistamines may have a role via their soporific effects on nocturnal pruritus, but in the elderly caution must be taken to avoid causing excessive drowsiness. Antidepressants
23

5 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

The serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor (SNRI), mirtazapine, has been reported to relieve itch in patients with advanced cancers (e.g., leukemia and lymphoma, including cutaneous lymphoma), chronic kidney disease, and cholestasis.
24-26

Mirtazapine may also be especially useful for the treatment of

25

nocturnal pruritus.

Additionally, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors

(SSRIs) may have antipruritic effects. The SSRIs, paroxetine and fluvoxamine, have been shown to reduce chronic pruritus, with the most favorable responses seen in patients with pruritus due to atopic dermatitis, systemic lymphoma, and solid carcinoma; whilst sertraline has been shown to be an effective treatment for pruritus associated with chronic liver disease.
27,28

Although the antiprurituc mechanism of antidepressants is unclear, medications interfering with neuronal re-uptake of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, may act through the cerebral cortex to reduce the perception of pruritus.
29

Antidepressants may be particularly useful in elderly patients with

psychogenic causes of pruritus. Of note, it may be prudent to start with lower doses of antidepressants in the elderly and then taper up cautiously to avoid the significant side-effects associated with these medications. Opioid Agonists and Antagonists An imbalance of the endogenous opioidergic system may have a role to play in the pathophysiology of pruritus. Itch is induced by both -opioid receptor agonists and -opioid receptor antagonists, while -receptor antagonists and -receptor agonists can reduce it. Studies have shown the antipuritic effects of -opioid receptor antagonists, such as naltrexone (in patients with cholestasis, end-stage renal disease, burns, and atopic dermatitis) and nalmefene (in patients with cholestasis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria).
30-34

Drug Class

Medication & Suggested Dose

Notes/Adverse Effects No direct effect on pruritus except in urticaria; sedating antihistamines are useful through their soporific effects; beware of excessive drowsiness especially in the elderly Recommend starting at low doses in the elderly and tapering up to avoid side-effects

Sedating Antihistamines

Hydroxyzine: start at 25 mg daily and taper up to 75 mg qd as tolerated

Antidepressants

SNRIs

Mirtazapine 7.5-15 mg PO qhs Paroxetine 10-40 mg PO qd Fluvoxamine 25-150 mg PO qd Sertraline 75-100 mg PO qd

May cause increased weight, appetite, and somnolence

SSRIs

Useful in cholestatic pruritus

-opioid Receptor Antagonists

Naltrexone 25-50 mg PO qd

Useful in patients with cholestatic and CKD-associated pruritus; may cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness; recommend use in the elderly under specialist supervision

6 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

-opioid Receptor Agonists

Butorphanol 1-4 mg intranasally qd

Useful in nocturnal and intractable pruritus; may cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness; recommend use in the elderly under specialist supervision Useful in CKD-associated pruritus; may cause insomnia; approved in Japan only; recommend use in the elderly under specialist supervision Useful in neuropathic pruritus; start at low doses and taper up in the elderly; may cause drowsiness, weight gain, and leg swelling Start at low doses and taper up in the elderly; should not be stopped abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms CKD = Chronic kidney disease

Nalfurafine 2.5-5 g PO qd

Neuroleptics

Gabapentin 100-2400 mg PO qd

Pregabalin 25-150 mg PO qd

Table 2. Systemic treatments of pruritus

The -opioid receptor agonists, butorphanol and nalfurafine, appear to have an antipruritic effect in patients with chronic intractable itch and chronic kidney disease, respectively.
35,36

Due to the potential adverse effects associated with

opioid agonists and antagonist, treatment is advisable under specialist supervision and at lower initial doses, especially in the elderly. Neuroleptics The neuroleptics, gabapentin and pregablin, are structural analogs of the neurotransmitter -aminobutyric acid (GABA). The exact mechanisms of their antipruritic effects are not clear, but they may be related to inhibition of central itch pathways. Neuroleptics may be particularly useful in the elderly for neuropathic pruritus related to conditions such as brachioradial pruritus, postherpetic neuralgia, and notalgia paresthetica.
6,14

Gabapentin has been

26,37

shown to reduce pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease and lymphoma, but treatment can actually worsen the itching in patients with cholestasis. upward titration may reduce the risk of gabapentin-induced neurotoxicity and/or coma in patients with reduced renal function, a problem that may be more prevalent in the elderly.
38

Of note, it has been suggested that using a lower dose of gabapentin with slow

Additionally, treatment with pregabalin should

39

not be stopped abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Treatment

Phototherapy Ultraviolet A (UVA), broadband ultraviolet B (BB-UVB), and narrowband UVB (NB-UVB)-based phototherapies have been used for over three decades to treat various pruritic dermatoses. This mode of treatment may be particularly suitable in the elderly as it avoids the risk of adverse drug reactions (although the risk of phototoxicity is increased) and overcomes challenges such as physical and cognitive limitations that can lead to noncompliance.

7 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

Conclusion

The multitude of variables that come with advanced age means that the management of pruritus in the elderly continues to pose a particular diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Physical and cognitive limitations, multiple comorbid conditions, and polypharmacy are some aspects that can influence choice of treatment in this age group. Management of pruritus in the elderly must take an individualistically tailored approach with consideration of the patients general health, the severity of symptoms, and the adverse effects of treatment.
References

1. Beauregard S, Gilchrest BA. A survey of skin problems and skin care regimens in the elderly. Arch Dermatol 123(12):1638-43 (1987 Dec). 2. Norman RA. Xerosis and pruritus in the elderly: recognition and management. Dermatol Ther 16(3):254-9 (2003). 3. Fleischer AB, Jr. Pruritus in the elderly: management by senior dermatologists. J Am Acad Dermatol 28(4):603-9 (1993 Apr). 4. Ward JR, Bernhard JD. Willan's itch and other causes of pruritus in the elderly. Int J Dermatol 44(4):267-73 (2005 Apr). 5. Wang H, Yosipovitch G. New insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic itch in patients with end-stage renal disease, chronic liver disease, and lymphoma. Int J Dermatol 49(1):1-11 (2010 Jan). 6. Yosipovitch G, Samuel LS. Neuropathic and psychogenic itch. Dermatol Ther 21(1):32-41 (2008 Jan-Feb). 7. van Os-Medendorp H, Ros WJ, Eland-de Kok PC, et al. Effectiveness of the nursing programme 'Coping with itch': a randomized controlled study in adults with chronic pruritic skin disease. Br J Dermatol 156(6):1235-44 (2007 Jun). 8. Steinhoff M, Neisius U, Ikoma A, et al. Proteinase-activated receptor-2 mediates itch: a novel pathway for pruritus in human skin. J Neurosci 16;23(15):6176-80 (2003 Jul). 9. Yosipovitch G, Papoiu AD. What causes itch in atopic dermatitis? Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 8(4):306-11 (2008 Jul). 10. Dykes PJ, Marks R. An appraisal of the methods used in the assessment of atrophy from topical corticosteroids. Br J Dermatol 101(5):599-609 (1979 Nov). 11. Stander S, Schurmeyer-Horst F, Luger TA, et al. Treatment of pruritic diseases with topical calcineurin inhibitors. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2(2):213-8 (2006 Jun). 12. Patel T, Ishiuji Y, Yosipovitch G. Menthol: a refreshing look at this ancient compound. J Am Acad Dermatol 57(5):873-8 (2007 Nov). 13. Papoiu AD, Yosipovitch G. Topical capsaicin. The fire of a 'hot' medicine is reignited. Expert Opin Pharmacother 11(8):1359-71 (2010 Jun). 14. Wood GJ, Akiyama T, Carstens E, et al. An insatiable itch. J Pain 10(8):792-7 (2009 Aug). 15. Imamachi N, Park GH, Lee H, et al. TRPV1-expressing primary afferents generate behavioral responses to pruritogens via multiple mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106(27):11330-5 (2009 Jul 7).

8 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

16. Young TA, Patel TS, Camacho F, et al. A pramoxine-based anti-itch lotion is more effective than a control lotion for the treatment of uremic pruritus in adult hemodialysis patients. J Dermatolog Treat 20(2):76-81 (2009). 17. Freitag G, Hoppner T. Results of a postmarketing drug monitoring survey with a polidocanol-urea preparation for dry, itching skin. Curr Med Res Opin 13(9):529-37 (1997). 18. Yosipovitch G, Sugeng MW, Chan YH, et al. The effect of topically applied aspirin on localized circumscribed neurodermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 45(6):910-3 (2001 Dec). 19. Andoh T, Nishikawa Y, Yamaguchi-Miyamoto T, et al. Thromboxane A2 induces itch-associated responses through TP receptors in the skin in mice. J Invest Dermatol 127(8):2042-7 (2007 Aug). 20. Szepietowski JC, Szepietowski T, Reich A. Efficacy and tolerance of the cream containing structured physiological lipids with endocannabinoids in the treatment of uremic pruritus: a preliminary study. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 13(2):97-103 (2005). 21. Eberlein B, Eicke C, Reinhardt HW, et al. Adjuvant treatment of atopic eczema: assessment of an emollient containing N-palmitoylethanolamine (ATOPA study). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 22(1):73-82 (2008 Jan). 22. Stander S, Reinhardt HW, Luger TA. [Topical cannabinoid agonists. An effective new possibility for treating chronic pruritus]. Hautarzt 57(9):801-7 (2006 Sep). 23. Patel T, Ishiuji Y, Yosipovitch G. Nocturnal itch: why do we itch at night? Acta Derm Venereol 87(4):295-8 (2007). 24. Davis MP, Frandsen JL, Walsh D, et al. Mirtazapine for pruritus. J Pain Symptom Manage 25(3):288-91 (2003 Mar). 25. Hundley JL, Yosipovitch G. Mirtazapine for reducing nocturnal itch in patients with chronic pruritus: a pilot study. J Am Acad Dermatol 50(6):889-91 (2004 Jun). 26. Demierre MF, Taverna J. Mirtazapine and gabapentin for reducing pruritus in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 55(3):543-4 (2006 Sep). 27. Stander S, Bockenholt B, Schurmeyer-Horst F, et al. Treatment of chronic pruritus with the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors paroxetine and fluvoxamine: results of an open-labelled, two-arm proofof-concept study. Acta Derm Venereol 89(1):45-51 (2009). 28. Mayo MJ, Handem I, Saldana S, et al. Sertraline as a first-line treatment for cholestatic pruritus. Hepatology 45(3):666-74 (2007 Mar). 29. Stander S, Weisshaar E, Luger TA. Neurophysiological and neurochemical basis of modern pruritus treatment. Exp Dermatol 17(3):161-9 (208 Mar). 30. Bergasa NV, Alling DW, Talbot TL, et al. Oral nalmefene therapy reduces scratching activity due to the pruritus of cholestasis: a controlled study. J Am Acad Dermatol 41(3 Pt 1):431-4 (1999 Sep). 31. Monroe EW. Efficacy and safety of nalmefene in patients with severe pruritus caused by chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 21(1):135-6 (1989 Jul).

9 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25

The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2010/15.8/2.html

32. Patel T, Yosipovitch G. Therapy of pruritus. Expert Opin Pharmacother 11(10):1673-82 (2010 Jul). 33. Peer G, Kivity S, Agami O, et al. Randomised crossover trial of naltrexone in uraemic pruritus. Lancet 348(9041):1552-4 (1996 Dec 7). 34. Phan NQ, Bernhard JD, Luger TA, et al. Antipruritic treatment with systemic mu-opioid receptor antagonists: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol (2010 May 10). [Epub ahead of print]. 35. Dawn AG, Yosipovitch G. Butorphanol for treatment of intractable pruritus. J Am Acad Dermatol 54(3):527-31 (2006 Mar). 36. Kumagai H, Ebata T, Takamori K, et al. Effect of a novel kappa-receptor agonist, nalfurafine hydrochloride, on severe itch in 337 haemodialysis patients: a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nephrol Dial Transplant 25(4):1251-7 (2010 Apr). 37. Bergasa NV, McGee M, Ginsburg IH, et al. Gabapentin in patients with the pruritus of cholestasis: a double-blind, randomized, placebocontrolled trial. Hepatology 44(5):1317-23 (2006 Nov). 38. Manenti L, Vaglio A. Gabapentin for uraemic pruritus. Nephrol Dial Transplant 20(6):1278-9 (2005 Jun). 39. Ehrchen J, Stander S. Pregabalin in the treatment of chronic pruritus. J Am Acad Dermatol 58(2 Suppl):S36-7 (2008 Feb).

In this issue: 1. Nanodermatology: A Bright Glimpse Just Beyond the Horizon - Part I 2. The Management of Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly 3. Update on Drugs and Drug News: September 2010

All content 2005-2012 SkinThearpyLetter

Last modified: Thursday, 21-Jun-2012 16:53:33 MDT

10 of 10

17/9/2013 4:25