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医療専門家向け Pruritus (PDQ®)

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This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about the pathophysiology and treatment of pruritus. It is intended as a resource to inform and assist clinicians who care for cancer patients. It does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions.

This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board, which is editorially independent of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The summary reflects an independent review of the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Overview

Pruritus is usually an unpleasant sensation that elicits a desire to scratch, subjectively quantified by intensity, severity, location, and intractability. It may be proposed that itch is akin to pain because both sensations are thought to be transmitted from skin to central nervous system (CNS) through nociceptive small-caliber C nerve fibers.[ 1 ] The perception of pruritus, much like the perception of pain, is greatly altered by psychological and CNS factors, thereby accounting for the great subjective variability between individuals in perceived pruritus from the same pruritogen. Because of the subjective nature of pruritus, the lack of a precise definition, and only recent development of a suitable murine model, pruritus is a disorder that has not been researched adequately.[ 2 ]

For the purpose of this discussion, a focus will be placed on pruritus in the absence of a primary dermatosis, as is often encountered in patients receiving cancer treatment. However, there may still be significant secondary skin change noted in the form of lichen simplex chronicus, prurigo nodules, linear excoriations, linear petechiae, or superficial erosions in places the patient can reach to scratch (either with fingernails, back scratchers, or makeshift tools).

It is estimated that pruritus is a manifestation of an underlying systemic disease in approximately 10% to 25% of affected individuals.[ 3 ] In a single-institution retrospective review, patients seeking care for pruritus were more likely to have a concomitant diagnosis of cancer than were patients without pruritus (odds ratio [OR], 5.76; 95% confidence interval, 5.53–6.00). The OR for malignancy was higher in white patients than in African American patients.[ 4 ] Nondermatologic conditions that can lead to generalized pruritus include the following:[ 3 ]

Despite the wide array of diseases that may present with pruritus, a systematic evaluation of the differential using a good history, review of systems, and appropriate blood work will lead to a rational and finite group of etiologies. Then correction of the underlying cause (if possible) and treatment of the pruritus with currently available therapies may ensue.

In this summary, unless otherwise stated, evidence and practice issues as they relate to adults are discussed. The evidence and application to practice related to children may differ significantly from information related to adults. When specific information about the care of children is available, it is summarized under its own heading.

参考文献
  1. Schmelz M: A neural pathway for itch. Nat Neurosci 4 (1): 9-10, 2001.[PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Feng J, Yang P, Mack MR, et al.: Sensory TRP channels contribute differentially to skin inflammation and persistent itch. Nat Commun 8 (1): 980, 2017.[PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Weisshaar E, Fleischer AB Jr, Bernhard JD, et al.: Pruritus and dysesthesia. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV: Dermatology. 3rd ed. [Philadelphia, Pa]: Elsevier Saunders, 2012, pp 111-25.[PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Larson VA, Tang O, Ständer S, et al.: Association between itch and cancer in 16,925 patients with pruritus: Experience at a tertiary care center. J Am Acad Dermatol 80 (4): 931-937, 2019.[PUBMED Abstract]
Etiology/Pathophysiology

When a primary dermatitis is present, the differential may be narrowed by the history and physical findings, such as with stigmata of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scabies, allergic contact dermatitis, or primary cutaneous lymphoma. Biopsy of skin dermatitis may be extraordinarily helpful in this scenario if the etiology is not readily evident from history and physical exam alone. In contrast, Table 1 provides a list of differential diagnoses for when there is little or no primary dermatitis identifiable. Where available, the incidence of pruritus in that condition is given.

Table 1. Pruritus Differential With Little or No Primary Dermatitis
Disease State Prevalence of Pruritus (%)
HMG-CoA = 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl–coenzyme A; IgE = immunoglobulin E.
Neoplastic  
– Hodgkin disease 30 [ 1 ]
– Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 15 [ 2 ]
– Leukemias 5 [ 3 ]
– Carcinoid syndrome  
– Paraproteinemias  
Iron deficiency anemia  
Polycythemia rubra vera ≤50 [ 4 ]
Hyper-IgE syndromes  
Parasitic helminthic infection  
Drug-induced eosinophilia  
Chronic renal insufficiency 57 [ 5 ]
Liver disease  
– Primary biliary cirrhosis 69 [ 6 ]
– Viral hepatitis infection 15 [ 7 ]
– Cholestatic disease  
– Autoimmune hepatitis  
Thyroid dysfunction  
– Hashimoto thyroiditis  
– Hypothyroidism  
– Hyperthyroidism  
Medication induced  
– Opioids (codeine, morphine, butorphanol)  
– Hydroxyethyl starch  
– Antimalarials (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, quinacrine)  
– 8-methoxypsoralen  
– Beta blockers  
– Hormones (estrogens, testosterone, progestins, anabolic steroids)  
– Phenothiazines  
– Aspirin  
– HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors  
Diabetes mellitus  
HIV infection  
Post-herpetic neuralgia ≤60 [ 8 ]
Pregnancy 18 [ 3 ]
Xerosis  
Psychogenic (somatization, anxiety, depression, neurosis)  
Stroke sequelae  
Multiple sclerosis  

As evident from the differential, a solid history and physical are essential for sorting through the possibilities. To corroborate the clinical impression, a limited number of laboratory and radiological examinations also may be used to rule in or rule out many of the possibilities. (Refer to the Assessment section of this summary for more information.)

Hypothesized mechanisms of pruritus have been inferred from studies of pain because pain and itching share common molecular and neurophysiological mechanisms.[ 9 ] Both itch and pain sensations result from the activation of a network of free nerve endings at the dermal-epidermal junction. Activation may be the result of internal or external thermal, mechanical, chemical, or electrical stimulation. The cutaneous nerve stimulation is activated or mediated by several substances, including the following:

It is believed that nonanatomic factors (such as psychological stress, tolerance, and presence and intensity of other sensations and/or distractions) determine itch sensitivity in different regions of the body.

The itch impulse is transmitted along the same neural pathway as pain impulses, i.e., traveling from peripheral nerves to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, across the cord via the anterior commissure, and ascending along the spinothalamic tract to the laminar nuclei of the contralateral thalamus. Thalamocortical tracts of tertiary neurons are believed to relay the impulse through the integrating reticular activating system of the thalamus to several areas of the cerebral cortex. Factors that are believed to enhance the sensation of itch include dryness of the epidermis and dermis, anoxia of tissues, dilation of the capillaries, irritating stimuli, and psychological responses.[ 9 ][ 11 ][ 12 ][ 13 ]

The motor response of scratching follows the perception of itch. Scratching is modulated at the corticothalamic center and is a spinal reflex. Itching may be relieved for 15 to 25 minutes after scratching. The mechanism through which the itch is relieved by scratching is unknown. It is hypothesized that scratching generates sensory impulses that break circuits in the relay areas of the spinal cord. Scratching may actually enhance the sensation of itching, creating a characteristic itch-scratch-itch cycle. Other physical stimuli such as vibration, heat, cold, and ultraviolet radiation diminish itching and increase the release of proteolytic enzymes, potentially eliciting the itch-scratch-itch cycle.

A pinprick near or in the same dermatome as an itchy point will abolish the itch sensation.[ 12 ] It is known that hard scratching may substitute pain for the itch, and in some instances, the patient might find pain the more tolerable sensation. It is thought that spinal modulation of afferent stimuli (Gate theory) and central mechanisms may play a role in the relief of itch.[ 12 ]

Hypothesized pathogenesis of pruritus associated with underlying disease states are varied. Biliary, hepatic, renal, and malignant diseases are thought to produce pruritus through circulating toxic substances. Histamine released from circulating basophils and the release of leukopeptidase from white blood cells may trigger pruritus associated with lymphomas and leukemias. Elevated blood levels of kininogen in Hodgkin lymphoma, the release of histamine or bradykinin precursors from solid tumors, and the release of serotonin in carcinoids may all be related to pruritus.[ 11 ][ 14 ]

People receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or biologic response modifiers for the treatment of malignancy are likely to experience pruritus. This same population is quite likely to be exposed to many of the other etiologic factors relating to pruritus, ranging from nutrition-related xerosis (dry skin) to radiation desquamation, chemotherapy-induced and biologic agent–induced side effects, antibiotic reactions, and other drug sensitivities. Because many of these therapies lead to decreased cell turnover, skin can become thin, atrophic, and dehydrated. Long-term xerosis may also occur with poor recovery of sweat, sebaceous, and apocrine gland function after a course of cytotoxic therapy.

参考文献
  1. Gobbi PG, Attardo-Parrinello G, Lattanzio G, et al.: Severe pruritus should be a B-symptom in Hodgkin's disease. Cancer 51 (10): 1934-6, 1983.[PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Kumar SS, Kuruvilla M, Pai GS, et al.: Cutaneous manifestations of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 69 (1): 12-5, 2003 Jan-Feb.[PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Weisshaar E, Dalgard F: Epidemiology of itch: adding to the burden of skin morbidity. Acta Derm Venereol 89 (4): 339-50, 2009.[PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Diehn F, Tefferi A: Pruritus in polycythaemia vera: prevalence, laboratory correlates and management. Br J Haematol 115 (3): 619-21, 2001.[PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Duque MI, Thevarajah S, Chan YH, et al.: Uremic pruritus is associated with higher kt/V and serum calcium concentration. Clin Nephrol 66 (3): 184-91, 2006.[PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Rishe E, Azarm A, Bergasa NV: Itch in primary biliary cirrhosis: a patients' perspective. Acta Derm Venereol 88 (1): 34-7, 2008.[PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Cribier B, Samain F, Vetter D, et al.: Systematic cutaneous examination in hepatitis C virus infected patients. Acta Derm Venereol 78 (5): 355-7, 1998.[PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Oaklander AL, Bowsher D, Galer B, et al.: Herpes zoster itch: preliminary epidemiologic data. J Pain 4 (6): 338-43, 2003.[PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Greaves MW: Pathophysiology of pruritus. In: Fitzpatrick TB, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, et al., eds.: Dermatology in General Medicine. 3rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1987, Chapter 7, pp 74-78.[PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Erickson S, Nahmias Z, Rosman IS, et al.: Immunomodulating Agents as Antipruritics. Dermatol Clin 36 (3): 325-334, 2018.[PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Abel EA, Farber EM: Malignant cutaneous tumors. In: Rubenstein E, Federman DD, eds.: Scientific American Medicine. New York: Scientific American, Inc, Chapter 2: Dermatology, Section XII, 1-20, 1992.[PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Bernhard JD: Clinical aspects of pruritus. In: Fitzpatrick TB, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, et al., eds.: Dermatology in General Medicine. 3rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1987, Chapter 7, pp 78-90.[PUBMED Abstract]
  13. Duncan WC, Fenske NA: Cutaneous signs of internal disease in the elderly. Geriatrics 45 (8): 24-30, 1990.[PUBMED Abstract]
  14. Abel EA, Farber EM: Drug eruptions and urticaria. In: Rubenstein E, Federman DD, eds.: Scientific American Medicine. New York: Scientific American, Inc, Chapter 2: Dermatology, Section VI, 1-11, 1990.[PUBMED Abstract]
Assessment

Pruritus is a symptom, not a diagnosis or disease. Generalized pruritus should be investigated because of its strong medical significance, as outlined above (refer to the Etiology/Pathophysiology section of this summary for more information), particularly if it is interfering with daily activities or sleep, and/or is intractable. Assessment of pruritus must incorporate an accurate and thorough history and physical examination.[ 1 ]

A history includes the following data:

A physical examination will provide data from an assessment of the following:

First-line studies should include the following:

Second-line laboratory studies guided by a review of systems and a physical exam may include the following:

参考文献
  1. Weisshaar E, Fleischer AB Jr, Bernhard JD, et al.: Pruritus and dysesthesia. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV: Dermatology. 3rd ed. [Philadelphia, Pa]: Elsevier Saunders, 2012, pp 111-25.[PUBMED Abstract]
Interventions

Note: Some citations in the text of this section are followed by a level of evidence. The PDQ Editorial Boards use a formal ranking system to help the reader judge the strength of evidence linked to the reported results of a therapeutic strategy. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Levels of Evidence for more information.)

If an underlying cause of pruritus is identified, treatment of the primary disease or correction of the underlying abnormality is primary therapy, when feasible. For example, iron supplementation in the setting of iron-deficiency anemia or thyroid supplementation for hypothyroidism should be initiated first. However, gentle skin techniques as outlined below are indicated, even if they are not expected to completely alleviate the symptoms—they should be considered helpful adjuvant therapies.

Interventions for pruritus can be categorized into four distinct groups:

  1. Prevention and elimination of provocative factors.
  2. Topical therapies.
  3. Systemic therapies.
  4. Physical modalities.

Prevention and Elimination of Provocative Factors

Patients and caregivers must be included in planning and providing care to the extent possible. Education is an important aspect of symptom control. Skin care regimens incorporate protection from the environment, good cleansing practices, and internal and external hydration.[ 1 ][Level of evidence: IV] The intensity of the regimen and the techniques employed will vary according to etiologic factors and the degree of distress associated with the pruritus.

Adequate nutrition is essential to the maintenance of healthy skin. An optimal diet should include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fluids. Daily fluid intake of at least 3,000 mL is suggested as a guideline but may not be possible for some individuals.[ 2 ][ 3 ]

Aggravating factors should be avoided, including the following:

Alleviating factors should be promoted, as follows:

Heat increases cutaneous blood flow and may enhance itching. Heat also lowers humidity, and skin loses moisture when the relative humidity falls below 40%. A cool, humid environment may reverse these processes. Extensive bathing aggravates dry skin, and hot baths exacerbate fluid loss by causing vasodilation. The vasodilation results in increased blood flow, which enhances itching. Tepid baths have an antipruritic effect, possibly resulting from capillary vasoconstriction.

The goal of skin cleansing is to remove dirt and prevent odor, but actual hygienic practices are influenced by skin type, lifestyle, and culture. Bathing should be limited to 30 minutes every day or every 2 days.

Many soaps are salts of fatty acids with an alkali base, leading to excessive defatting of the skin lipids and altered skin pH, thus irritating the skin. Older adults or individuals with dry skin should limit the use of soaps to areas with apocrine glands. Plain water should suffice for cleaning other skin surfaces. Mild soaps have less soap or detergent content. Soap is a degreaser and can also irritate skin. Superfatted soaps deposit a film of oil on the skin surface, but there is no proof that they are less drying than other soaps, and they may be more expensive.

Residue left by detergents after bathing or used in laundering clothes and linens, as well as fabric softeners and antistatic products, may aggravate pruritus. Clothing detergent residue can be neutralized by the addition of vinegar (1 teaspoon per quart of water) to rinse water. Mild laundry soaps marketed for infant items also may offer a solution.

Loose-fitting, lightweight cotton clothes and cotton bed sheets are suggested. The elimination of heavy bedcovers may alleviate itching by decreasing body heat. Wool and some synthetic fabrics may be irritating. Distraction, music therapy, relaxation, and imagery may be useful to relieve symptoms.[ 4 ]

Topical Therapies

Over-the-counter products

Some topical agents—including cornstarch, talcum powder, perfumed powders, and bubble baths—can irritate the skin and cause pruritus. Cornstarch has been an acceptable intervention for pruritus associated with dry desquamation related to radiation therapy; however, it should not be applied to moist skin surfaces, areas with hair, sebaceous glands, skin folds (intertriginous zones), or areas close to mucosal surfaces, such as the vagina and rectum.[ 5 ][ 6 ] Glucose is formed when cornstarch is moistened, providing an excellent medium for fungal growth.[ 6 ]

Agents with metal ions (i.e., talcum and aluminum used in antiperspirants) enhance skin reactions during external-beam radiation therapy and should be avoided throughout the course of radiation therapy. Talcum-based agents are otherwise preferred over cornstarch-based modalities when needed, particularly for intertriginous zones. Other common ingredients in over-the-counter lotions and creams that may enhance skin reactions include alcohol, topical antibiotics, and topical anesthetics.

If pruritus is thought to be primarily related to dry skin, interventions to improve skin hydration can be employed. The main source of hydration for skin is moisture from the vasculature of underlying tissues. Water, not lipid, regulates the pliability of the epidermis, providing the rationale for using emollients.[ 7 ] Emollients reduce evaporation by forming occlusive and semi-occlusive films over the skin surface, encouraging the production of moisture in the layer of epidermis beneath the film (hence the term moisturizer).[ 8 ][Level of evidence: IV]

Knowledge about the ingredients in skin care products is essential because many ingredients may enhance skin reactions. The three main ingredients of emollients are as follows:

Other ingredients added to these products—such as thickeners, opacifiers, preservatives, fragrances, and colorings—may cause allergic skin reactions.

Product selection and recommendations must be made in consideration of each patient’s unique needs and should incorporate variables such as the individual’s skin, the desired effect, the consistency and texture of the preparation, and its cost and acceptability to the patient.[ 1 ][Level of evidence: IV] Emollient creams or lotions should be applied at least two or three times daily and after bathing. Gels with a local anesthetic (0.5%–5% lidocaine) can be used on some small areas (with the caveat that gels are composed of mostly alcohol-based vehicles), as often as every 2 hours if necessary.[ 10 ][Level of evidence: IV]

Over-the-counter products containing menthol, camphor, pramoxine, or capsaicin can be used for certain areas of worst pruritus. These substances soothe, cool, or inhibit itch sensations, thereby raising the threshold for itch perception. Capsaicin-based therapies are more likely to be beneficial in pruritus of neuropathic origin.[ 11 ]

If significant skin breakdown from scratching has occurred or there is evidence of impetiginization, the use of dilute bleach baths, as is done for patients with atopic dermatitis, may be helpful. A half-cup of plain unscented sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is added to half a tub of tap water for soaking at the beginning of the bath period. If sponge bathing is required, this is equivalent to approximately 5 mL of bleach to 1 gal of water.

Prescription products

Topical steroids can reduce itching, but they reduce blood flow to the skin, resulting in thinning of the skin and increased susceptibility to injury.[ 12 ][Level of evidence: IV] Topical steroids should therefore be reserved for pruritic skin with associated primary dermatitis or inflammatory etiologies. Some practitioners may formulate their own mixture of dilute steroid-containing moisturizer to serve this purpose by compounding menthol 0.5% and fluocinonide 0.0125% into a Vanicream base (fluocinonide 0.05% 60 g, menthol 480 mg, and Vanicream QSAD 240 g). Topical steroids should not be applied to skin surfaces inside a radiation field during treatment but may be used successfully for radiation-induced dermatitis after the treatment course has concluded.

For more-severe xerosis or keratoderma, humectants may be indicated. These not only provide an occlusive or semi-occlusive barrier for water, but also chemically exfoliate an excessively cornified layer while drawing dermal fluid into the epidermal compartment. Choices include salicylic acid 6% cream, ammonium lactate 12% cream, or creams and ointments containing urea 10% to 50%.[ 13 ][Level of evidence: IV] Humectants can significantly improve skin pliability and reduce fissuring, but care must be taken that they do not get into fissures because they can cause stinging sensations on open erosions.

Systemic Therapies

Systemic medications useful in the management of pruritus include those directed toward the underlying disease or control of symptoms. Antibiotics can reduce symptoms associated with infection. Oral antihistamines may provide symptomatic relief in histamine-related itching; however, they are not considered useful in pruritus of neuropathic origin. It is believed that the sedative effect of antihistamines adds to their antipruritic efficacy; therefore, a higher dose of antihistamine at bedtime may produce desirable potentiation of the antipruritic effect by also providing this sedative effect. If one antihistamine is ineffective, one from another class may provide relief (refer to Table 2).

Second-generation antihistamines have several advantages over first-generation antihistamines.[ 14 ] Decreased activity on nonhistamine receptors results in fewer adverse effects. Second-generation antihistamines dissociate slowly from histamine receptors, allowing for once-daily dosing. Compared with first-generation antihistamines, second-generation antihistamines produce less central nervous system penetration and therefore less sedation. Given these advantages, using doses of levocetirizine and desloratadine higher than those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been suggested to provide relief for some patients with chronic urticarial conditions.[ 15 ] However, studies have produced conflicting results with cetirizine.[ 16 ][ 17 ]

Table 2. Antihistamines Used to Alleviate Pruritusa
Drug Category Medication Dose Comments Reference
SR = sustained release.
aTable abstracted from Lexicomp Online.[ 18 ]
First generation Diphenhydramine 25–100 mg q6h   [ 19 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Hydroxyzine 25–50 mg q6–8h Abrupt withdrawal may cause confusion. [ 20 ]; [ 21 ][Level of evidence: I]
Cyproheptadine 4 mg q6–8h   [ 20 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Chlorpheniramine 4 mg q4–6h   [ 22 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Second generation Cetirizine 5–10 mg daily Conflicting results when 20–40 mg/day studied. [ 16 ][Level of evidence: I]; [ 17 ][Level of evidence: II]
Levocetirizine 2.5–5 mg daily Safe to increase dose up to 20 mg daily; may provide better symptom control. [ 15 ][ 23 ][Level of evidence: I]
Loratadine 10 mg daily   [ 24 ][Level of evidence: I]
Desloratadine 5 mg daily Safe to increase dose up to 20 mg daily; may provide better symptom control.   [ 23 ]
Fexofenadine 60 mg q12h or 180 mg daily (SR tablet)   [ 25 ][Level of evidence: I]

Several alternative medications can be used to alleviate pruritus (refer to Table 3). Antidepressants can have strong antihistamine and antipruritic effects.[ 22 ][Level of evidence: IV] Tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and trimipramine have additional antihistaminic effects, making them of additional benefit in dermatological conditions such as urticaria. However, the generally more-favorable side-effect profile of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors has made them the first-line agents in the management of psychogenic pruritus.[ 26 ][Level of evidence: II]

Aspirin seems to have reduced pruritus in some individuals with polycythemia vera, while increasing pruritus in others. Thrombocytopenic cancer patients should be cautioned against using aspirin. Cimetidine alone or in combination with aspirin has been used with some effectiveness for pruritus associated with Hodgkin lymphoma and polycythemia vera.[ 27 ][Level of evidence: III]

Novel agents that may be tried in recalcitrant cases of pruritus include gabapentin, pregabalin, and botulinum toxin injection, particularly for neurogenic itch such as post-herpetic neuralgia.[ 28 ][ 29 ] Aprepitant has been used successfully in the treatment of pruritus by blocking the neurokinin-1 receptor (NKR-1), which is activated by substance P.[ 30 ][Level of evidence: III]

Table 3. Alternative Medications Used to Alleviate Pruritusa
Drug Category Medication Dose Comments Reference
ESRD = end-stage renal disease; GABA = gamma-aminobutyric acid; IV = intravenously; tid = 3 times a day.
aTable abstracted from Lexicomp Online.[ 18 ]
Tricyclic antidepressant Amitriptyline 25–150 mg daily Start as 10 mg tid or 25 mg at bedtime. [ 29 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Doxepin 10–25 mg q8h   [ 31 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor Fluvoxamine 50–100 mg daily   [ 32 ][Level of evidence: II]
Mirtazapine 7.5–15 mg at bedtime No value to >15 mg. [ 29 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Paroxetine 20 mg daily   [ 33 ][Level of evidence: I]
Sertraline 75–100 mg daily   [ 34 ][Level of evidence: I]
GABA analog Gabapentin 100–300 mg daily, titrated to effect Dose must be adjusted for renal dysfunction. [ 35 ][Level of evidence: I]
Pregabalin 75 mg daily Dose must be adjusted for renal dysfunction. [ 36 ][Level of evidence: I]
Sequestrant agent Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) 10–15 mg/kg of body weight per day For pruritus of cholestasis. [ 37 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Cholestyramine 4–16 g daily For pruritus of cholestasis. [ 37 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Opioid antagonist Naloxone 0.2 µg/kg of body weight per min IV Efficacy in cholestatic pruritus; conflicting results in ESRD itch. Can cause pain by antagonizing mu-receptor. [ 38 ][Level of evidence: I]; [ 39 ]
Naltrexone 25–100 mg daily Efficacy in cholestatic pruritus, atopic eczema; conflicting results in ESRD itch. Can cause pain by antagonizing mu-receptor. [ 39 ]; [ 40 ][ 41 ][Level of evidence: I]
Butorphanol 1–4 mg q4–6h intranasally   [ 42 ][Level of evidence: II]
Nalbuphine 2.5–5 mg IV For opioid-induced pruritus. [ 43 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Miscellaneous agent Aprepitant 80 mg daily   [ 30 ][Level of evidence: III]
Aspirin 500 mg q8–24h Only used for polycythemia vera. Positive and negative data. [ 31 ][Level of evidence: I]
Botulinum toxin 16–25 units injected into the dermatome   [ 29 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Capsaicin 0.025% Apply 5 times daily × 1 week, then 3 times daily For neurologic pruritus. [ 44 ][Level of evidence: I]
Cimetidine 200 mg q6h Only used for polycythemia vera. [ 31 ][Level of evidence: IV]
Cyclosporine 3–4.5 mg/kg of body weight per day Requires close monitoring for renal toxicity. [ 45 ][Level of evidence: I]
Pimecrolimus 1% cream Apply twice daily   [ 46 ][Level of evidence: I]

Sequestrant agents may be effective in relieving pruritus associated with renal or hepatic disease through binding and removing pruritogenic substances in the gut and reducing bile salt concentration. Choices include ursodeoxycholic acid and cholestyramine; however, cholestyramine is not always effective and produces gastric side effects.[ 47 ] Because of the association of pruritus with opioid receptor agonism, increased catabolism of endogenous opioids using rifampin in uremia may be beneficial.[ 48 ] Opioid antagonists such as naloxone, naltrexone, nalmefene, butorphanol, and nalbuphine may also have some benefit, particularly in patients with uremic pruritus.[ 26 ][ 40 ][Level of evidence: III]

Physical Modalities

Alternatives to scratching for the relief of pruritus can help the patient interrupt the itch-scratch-itch cycle. Substituting the application of emollients for scratching may help reduce skin breakdown. The application of a cool washcloth or ice over the site may be useful. Firm pressure at the site of itching, at a site contralateral to the site of itching, and at acupressure points may break the neural pathway. Rubbing, pressure, and vibration can be used to relieve itching.[ 49 ][Level of evidence: IV]; [ 4 ]

There are anecdotal reports of the use of transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulators (TENS) and acupuncture in the management of pruritus.[ 50 ] Ultraviolet phototherapy has been used with limited success to treat pruritus related to uremia.[ 50 ]

参考文献
  1. Detz W, Berman B: Aids that preserve hydration and mitigate its loss. Consultant 24: 46-62, 1984.[PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Lydon J, Purl S, Goodman M: Integumentary and mucous membrane alterations. In: Groenwald SL, Frogge MH, Goodman M, et al., eds.: Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. Boston, Mass: Jones and Bartlett, 1990, pp 594-635.[PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Pace KB, Bord MA, McCray N, et al.: Pruritus. In: McNally JC, Stair JC, Somerville ET, eds.: Guidelines for Cancer Nursing Practice. Orlando, Fla: Grune and Stratton, Inc., 1985, pp 85-88.[PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Yasko JM, Hogan CM: Pruritus. In: Yasko J, ed.: Guidelines for Cancer Care: Symptom Management. Reston, Va: Reston Publishing Company, Inc., 1983, pp 125-129.[PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Hassey KM: Skin care for patients receiving radiation therapy for rectal cancer. J Enterostomal Ther 14 (5): 197-200, 1987 Sep-Oct.[PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Maienza J: Alternatives to cornstarch for itchiness. Oncol Nurs Forum 15 (2): 199-200, 1988 Mar-Apr.[PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Blank L: Factors which influence the water content of the stratum corneum. J Invest Dermatol 18 (2): 133-39, 1952.[PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Klein L: Maintenance of healthy skin. J Enterostomal Ther 15 (6): 227-31, 1988 Nov-Dec.[PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Hilderley L: Skin care in radiation therapy. A review of the literature. Oncol Nurs Forum 10 (1): 51-6, 1983 Winter.[PUBMED Abstract]
  10. De Conno F, Ventafridda V, Saita L: Skin problems in advanced and terminal cancer patients. J Pain Symptom Manage 6 (4): 247-56, 1991.[PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Misery L, Brenaut E, Le Garrec R, et al.: Neuropathic pruritus. Nat Rev Neurol 10 (7): 408-16, 2014.[PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Hassey KM, Rose CM: Altered skin integrity in patients receiving radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum 9 (4): 44-50, 1982 Fall.[PUBMED Abstract]
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Changes to This Summary (02/25/2020)

The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above.

Overview

Added text about a single-institution retrospective review of the association between itch and cancer in patients with pruritus (cited Larson et al. as reference 4).

Revised text to include cancers of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract, and skin as examples of nondermatologic conditions that can lead to generalized pruritus.

This summary is written and maintained by the PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board, which is editorially independent of NCI. The summary reflects an independent review of the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or NIH. More information about summary policies and the role of the PDQ Editorial Boards in maintaining the PDQ summaries can be found on the About This PDQ Summary and PDQ® - NCI's Comprehensive Cancer Database pages.

About This PDQ Summary

Purpose of This Summary

This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about the pathophysiology and treatment of pruritus. It is intended as a resource to inform and assist clinicians who care for cancer patients. It does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions.

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The preferred citation for this PDQ summary is:

PDQ® Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board. PDQ Pruritus. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated <MM/DD/YYYY>. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/skin-nail-changes/pruritus-hp-pdq. Accessed <MM/DD/YYYY>. [PMID: 26389231]

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