Sertraline is an effective management option for cholestatic pruritus

Sertraline as a first-line treatment for cholestatic pruritus.

UNLABELLED Pruritus is frequently the most debilitating symptom of cholestatic liver diseases. Moreover, existing therapies are often ineffective. Recent small, retrospective case series reports suggest that serotonin reuptake inhibitors can improve pruritus. This study was undertaken to establish the dose of sertraline and to evaluate its efficacy for cholestatic pruritus. Twenty one subjects ...

Neuromediators for cholestatic pruritus

Cholestatic pruritus is one of the most common complaints in patients with liver diseases and intraor posthepatic cholestasis. The mechanisms of cholestatic pruritus remain poorly understood although multiple factors are considered to participate in the pathogenesis of cholestatic pruritus. Recent exciting studies have discovered several G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and endogenous chemic...

Lysophosphatidic acid is a potential mediator of cholestatic pruritus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Pruritus is a common and disabling symptom in cholestatic disorders. However, its causes remain unknown. We hypothesized that potential pruritogens accumulate in the circulation of cholestatic patients and activate sensory neurons. METHODS Cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured in neuronal cell lines by ratiometric fluorometry upon exposure to serum samples from p...

Treatment Option for Uremic Pruritus

Chronic pruritus management: a plea for improvement--can itch clinics be an option?

with occasional occurrence of the symptom, pointing to chronicity as affecting severity (a phenomenon similar to what has been observed in people with chronic pain) [3, 4] . About half of the people suffering from pruritus had never sought medical advice for their symptom. There is an obvious need for patient education and for improvement in treatment options. The establishment of itch clinics ...