Pruritus in burn victims: relationship with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress / Prurido em vítimas de queimaduras: relaçãocom ansiedade, depressão e estresse pós-traumático

Objetivos: Avaliar a relação entre a intensidade do prurido e os escores de ansiedade, depressão, estresse pós-traumático e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em pacientes vítimas de queimaduras. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado em dois ambulatórios de hospitais de queimados localizados em municípios do interior paulista. A amostra foi constituída por 60 pacientes que responderam aos instrumentos de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica, Escala Visual Numérica para avaliação da intensidade do prurido, Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão, Escala de Impacto de Eventos para avaliação do estresse pós-traumático e a versão brasileira da Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound. Resultados: A amostra caracterizou-se pelo predomínio do sexo masculino (73%). Correlações positivas significativas foram encontradas entre a intensidade de prurido e ansiedade (r=0,33), depressão (r=0,53), estresse pós-traumático (r=0,43) e escore total da Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound (r=0,63). Conclusão: Esses achados reforçam a importância da avaliação do prurido na atenção integral à vítima de queimadura visando à redução do impacto psicológico e melhora na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. (AU)

Objective: To assess the relationship between pruritus intensity and anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and health-related quality of life scores in burn victims. Methods: A cross-sectional study, carried out in two outpatient clinics of burn hospitals located in municipalities in the countryside of São Paulo. The sample consisted of 60 patients who answered sociodemographic and clinical characterization instruments: the Visual Numerical Scale, to assess pruritus intensity, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Impact of Events Scale, to assess post-traumatic stress, and the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound Module to Brazilian Portuguese. Results: The sample was characterized by a predominance of males (73%). Significant positive correlations were found between pruritus intensity and anxiety (r=0.33), depression (r=0.53), post-traumatic stress (r=0.43), and total Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound score (r=0.63). Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of assessing pruritus in comprehensive care for burn victims, aiming to reduce the psychological impact and improve health-related quality of life. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre la intensidad del prurito y las puntuaciones de ansiedad, depresión, estrés postraumático y la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud en pacientes víctimas de quemaduras. Método: Estudio transversal, realizado en dos ambulatorios de hospitales de quemados ubicados en municipios del interior de São Paulo. La muestra se constituyó por 60 pacientes que respondieron a los instrumentos de caracterización sociodemográfica y clínica, Escala Visual Numérica para evaluación de la intensidad del prurito, Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión, Escala de Impacto de Eventos para evaluación del estrés postraumático y la versión brasileña de la Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound. Resultados: La muestra se caracterizó por el sexo masculino (el 73%). Correlaciones positivas significativas se encontraron entre la intensidad de prurito y ansiedad (r=0,33), depresión (r=0,53), estrés postraumático (r=0,43) y puntuación total de la Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound(r=0,63). Conclusión: Esos hallazgos refuerzan la importancia de la evaluación del prurito en la atención integral a víctimas de quemadura, buscando la reducción del impacto psicológico y la mejora en la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud. (AU)

Methotrexate for refractory adult atopic dermatitis leads to alterations in cutaneous IL-31 and IL-31RA expression

Abstract Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an alternative treatment for patients with moderate/severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective: The authors evaluated the effect of MTX on the cutaneous expression of cytokines and chemokines that are involved in the inflammatory response in adult AD patients who received treatment with methotrexate for 24 weeks. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective single-institution cohort study with 12 adults with moderate/severe AD who received oral MTX (15 mg/wk for 24 wks) and 10 non-atopic matched controls. The comparison was made of skin biopsies of lesional and non-lesional skin, pre- and post MTX treatment. The authors analyzed mean epidermal thickness and expression of IL-31, IL-31RA, OSMR, TSLP, Ki67, IL-4 mRNA, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TARC, and CCL-22. Results: There was a reduction in mean epidermal thickness (p = 0.021), an increase in IL-31RA expression (immunohistochemistry) in the epidermis (p = 0.016) and a decrease in IL-31 gene expression (p = 0.019) on lesional AD skin post-MTX treatment. No significant changes in the cutaneous expression of the other evaluated markers were identified. Study limitations: Small sample size and limited length of follow-up. Conclusions: Treatment with MTX in adults with moderate/severe AD reduced epidermal hyperplasia and changed the cutaneous expression of inflammatory cytokines and receptors that are mainly related to pruritus, including IL-31 and IL-31RA.

Manifestaciones dermatológicas de la cirrosis hepática: revisión de la literatura / Dermatological manifestations of liver cirrhosis: review of the literature

La piel y sus anexos tienen amplia relación con todos los órganos y sistemas. Los cambios presentes en estos pueden ser el primer hallazgo en un paciente con enfermedad hepática, encontrándose hasta en el 20 % de los casos, por lo que las manifestaciones extrahepáticas adquieren importancia, y aunque muchas de estas no son específicas, algunos marcadores dermatológicos pueden ayudar al diagnóstico de la enfermedad y se pueden correlacionar con su severidad. El desarrollo de las lesiones cutáneas en los pacientes con cirrosis hepática se genera principalmente por hipertensión portal y exceso de estrógenos circulantes, por lo tanto, su tratamiento se basa en el manejo de la patología hepática subyacente. En el presente artículo se hace una revisión de la literatura y se describe un amplio espectro de manifestaciones dermatológicas asociadas a cirrosis hepática, con sus características y etiopatogénesis, siendo las más frecuentes la ictericia, el prurito, los nevus en araña, el eritema palmar, las venas en cabeza de Medusa, y los cambios de uñas y del vello, entre otras.

The skin and its annexes have a broad relationship with all organs and systems. Changes present in these can be the initial finding in a patient with liver disease, occurring in up to 20% of cases, therefore the extrahepatic manifestations become important, and although many of these are not specific, some dermatological markers can help in the diagnosis of the disease and may correlate with its severity. The development of cutaneous lesions in patients with liver cirrhosis is mainly generated by portal hypertension and excess of circulating estrogens, therefore their treatment is based on managing the underlying liver pathology. This article reviews the literature and describes a wide range of dermatological manifestations associated with liver cirrhosis, with their characteristics and etiopathogenesis, being the most frequent jaundice, pruritus, spider nevus, palmar erythema, caput Medusae veins, nail and hair changes, among others.

Manifestaciones cutáneas comunes de las principales enfermedades hepáticas / Common cutaneous manifestations of major liver diseases

Las enfermedades hepáticas presentan múltiples manifestaciones sistémicas, entre las cuales se destacan los hallazgos en piel, siendo los más comunes el prurito y la ictericia; así mismo, se pueden encontrar angiomas en araña, eritema palmar, xantomas, vasculitis y cambios en anexos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir los principales signos y síntomas cutáneos en las enfermedades hepáticas para brindar herramientas semiológicas al clínico en su práctica diaria

Liver disease present multiple systemic manifestations, among which skin findings stand out, being the most common pruritus and jaundice. Other findings can also be manifested like spider angiomas, palmar erythema, xanthomas, vasculitis and changes in skin appendages. The objective of this article is to describe the main skin signs and symptoms of liver diseases to provide semiological tools to the physician in his daily practice.

Pruritus and Cutaneous Lesions: Granuloma Annulare vs. Mycosis Fungoides in a Pa-tient with Comorbidities. Case Report

Introduction: Pruritus is a common symptom in dermatological practice. Affecting patients with a wide range of cutaneous and systemic diseases. It can be caused by cutaneous disorders, systemic diseases, neurological disorders, psychological disorders, medications, among others. When assessing individuals with pruritus and cutaneous lesions, it is essential to consider mycosis fungoides and granuloma annulare as noteworthy differential diagnoses. Case presentation: A 51-year-old female patient exhibited symptoms of pruritus and two occurrences of pruritic skin lesions. Accompanied by a low-grade fever measuring 37.7 ºC, as well as asthenia and myalgia. Physical examination revealed two rounded plaques with erythematous borders and multiple non-confluent papular lesions. Discussion: Differentiating between mycosis fungoides and granuloma annulare can be challenging due to the similarities in their clinical presentations. However, performing a biopsy is essential to reach a definitive diagnosis.Conclusions: A biopsy is being suggested for the front part of the left lower limb. The application of mometasone furoate twice a day for two weeks was prescribed. Subsequently, a meeting has been arranged to conduct a review and to carefully analyze the biopsy findings within thirty days.

Introducción: El prurito es un síntoma frecuente en la práctica dermatológica, que afecta a pacientes con una amplia gama de enfermedades cutáneas y sistémicas. Puede estar causado por trastornos cutáneos, enfermedades sistémicas, trastornos neurológicos, trastornos psicológicos y medicamentos, entre otros. En la evaluación de personas con prurito y lesiones cutáneas, es fundamental tener en cuenta la micosis fungoide y el granuloma anular como diagnósticos diferenciales destacables. Presentación del caso clínico: Una paciente de 51 años de edad presentaba síntomas de prurito y dos apariciones de lesiones cutáneas pruriginosas, acompañadas de fiebre baja de 37.7 ºC, así como astenia y mialgias. El examen físico reveló dos placas redondeadas con bordes eritematosos y múltiples lesiones papulares no confluentes. Discusión: Diferenciar entre micosis fungoide y granuloma anular puede ser un reto debido a las similitudes en sus presentaciones clínicas. Sin embargo, la realización de una biopsia es esencial para llegar a un diagnóstico definitivo. Conclusiones:Se sugiere la realización de una biopsia en la parte anterior del miembro inferior izquierdo. Se prescribe la aplicación de furoato de mometasona dos veces al día durante dos semanas. Posteriormente, se ha concertado una reunión para realizar una revisión y deliberar sobre los resultados de la biopsia en un plazo de treinta días

Progress in clinical application of external treatment of TCM in uremic pruritus / 国际中医中药杂志

Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common complication in patients with end-stage renal disease, which seriously reduces the quality of life of patients. Compared with the internal treatment of TCM, the external treatment of TCM for UP is simpler and more effective, and can avoid the first pass effect caused by oral drugs and may cause liver and kidney damage. The treatment methods mainly include external washing of TCM, medicated bath, fumigation, wet compress, enema, scraping, acupuncture, auricular point sticking, acupoint application, acupoint iontophoresis, autologous blood acupoint injection and so on. At present, most studies are based on the conventional treatment of Western medicine, and the addition of external treatment of TCM can improve the efficacy, and has certain advantages in improving itching symptoms, inflammatory indicators, sleep quality, anxiety and depression. Some studies have selected parathyroid hormone, blood phosphorus, CRP, IL-6, histamine, SCr, BUN, β2-microglobulin and other indicators to evaluate the efficacy. The results suggest that external treatment of TCM can improve the micro-inflammatory state of patients and protect renal function, but further mechanism research is needed. The existing research has the following problems: the clinical efficacy evaluation scale is not uniform, and it is difficult to compare and summarize horizontally; the relief of pruritus symptoms is based on the scale evaluation, which is subjective; the course of treatment is short, and the long-term efficacy and safety can not be evaluated; some studies do not specify the patients' syndrome type, which is difficult to reflect the advantages of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, and needed to be improved in the future.

Advances in pathogenesis and drug therapy in hemodialysis patients with pruritus / 中华肾脏病杂志

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP), one of the most common and intolerable complications in hemodialysis patients, not only seriously affects patients' quality of life and physical and mental health, but also increases the risk of long-term mortality. The pathogenesis of CKD-aP remains unclear, and immune-inflammatory dysregulation, imbalance of endogenous opioid system, abnormal accumulation of metabolites, xerosis, abnormal histamine level as well as hyperparathyroidism, have all been shown to be associated with pruritus. There is a lack of satisfactory and effective treatment strategies for CKD-aP, which mainly include pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological treatment and dialysis modality modification. This article mainly reviews recent advances in the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of pruritus among hemodialysis patients.

Therapeutic effect of Xiaofeng Zhiyang granules on acute itching in mice with atopic dermatitis by decreasing leukotriene / 药学实践与服务

Objective To establish a mice model of atopic dermatitis with acute itching and investigate the antipruritic effect and its mechanism of Xiaofeng Zhiyang granules（XFZYG）. Methods A mice model of atopic dermatitis was prepared by induction method. Mice were sensitized by calcipotriol and ovalbumin (OVA) applying to the right ear daily for 10 days, and then stimulated by OVA injected intradermally into the right cheek to resulting in acute itching. These mice were divided into 5 groups: blank control group, model group, low dose (7.2 g/kg) and high dose (14.4 g/kg) of XFZYG, and positive control group (montelukast 5 mg/kg). Drugs were administered by gavage at 12 h and 30 min before stimulation. The leukotriene levels in the serum of the mice were measured by Elisa and the basophil ratio and activation status in the blood were measured by flow cytometry. Results The mean number of scratches in the model group was 56 between 30 min and 60 min after stimulation, while the mean number of scratches in the low and high dose of XFZYG groups were 42 and 23 respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the model group （P<0.05）. The serum leukotriene levels and the proportion of basophils in the low and high dose of XFZYG groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion XFZYG had certain therapeutic effect on acute itching of atopic dermatitis in mice, and the mechanism of its action was related to the reduction of leukotriene level and basophil ratio in serum of mice with atopic dermatitis .

Prevalence rate and influencing factors of uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients in Anhui province / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To explore the prevalence of uremic pruritus (UP) in patients with maintenance hemodialy sis (MHD) in Anhui Province and its influential factors .@*Methods @#Patients with MHD were enrolled in 27 hemo dialysis centers in Anhui Province . Clinical data were compared .@*Results @#A total of 3 025 patients with MHD were included . The prevalence of UP was 63.3% , among them , mild UP 55.9% and moderate to severe UP 7.4% . The prevalence rates of UP in southern Anhui , central Anhui and northern Anhui were 75.4% , 63.6% and 57.9% . The prevalence of total UP in ≤30 years , 31 - 50 years , 51 - 70 years and ≥71 years was 53.5% ,59.8% , 65.4% and 65.9% . The prevalence of total UP and moderate to severe UP increased with age ( P < 0.01) . Age , age of dialysis , proportion of hypertension , 25(hydroxy) vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3 ] , proportion of low flux dialyzer usage and proportion of calcium phosphorus binder usage in UP group were higher than those in the group without UP. However , the levels of diastolic blood pressure , hemoglobin ( Hb) and hemodialysis filtration ratio in the UP group were lower than those in the non UP group (P < 0.05) . By comparison , the age , hyperten sion and diabetes of patients in moderate and severe UP group were higher than those in mild UP group , while the proportion of non calcium phosphorus binding was lower than that in mild UP group ( P < 0.05) . Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that high 25(OH)D3 was associated with a higher risk of UP in MHD patients , and high throughput dialyzer use was associated with a lower risk of UP in MHD patients ( P < 0.05) .@*Conclusion @#The prevalence rate of UP in maintenance hemodialysis patients in Anhui province is 63.3% . The prevalence of UP is the highest in southern Anhui , and the prevalence of total UP and moderate to severe UP increases with age . High 25(OH)D3 levels are a risk factor for UP in MHD patients , and the use of high throughput dialyzers can reduce the risk of UP in MHD patients .

Pruritus Caused by the Change in Hydromorphone Formulation Disappeared after Switching to the Fentanyl Patch: A Case Report

Systemic administration of opioids rarely causes pruritus, although its mechanism is still not clearly understood. We report an intractable pruritus induced by a change in the dosage form of opioids with the same dose by the conversion ratio, which promptly disapeared with opioid switching. A 80-year-old female experienced worsening dorsal pain and abdominal pain due to recurrent pancreatic cancer. The relief of pain was insufficient with the administration of oral hydromorphone 10 mg/day, changing to continuous intravenous hydromorphone 3 mg/day considering adjustability. The next day, her pain was reduced, but the pruritus appeared. Administering oral and topical antihistamines was ineffective. Her pruritus tended to worsen with continued administration of continuous intravenous hydromorphone at the same dose. Hence we switched to fentanyl patch 0.6 mg/day. The following day, her pruritus significantly decreased, and two days later, her pruritus almost disappeared. This case suggests that opioids switching to fentanyl patch may be effective to relieve pruritus caused by hydromorphone.

Discussion on Medication Law of TCM External Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease-associated Pruritus Based on Data Mining / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To explore the medication law of TCM external treatment for chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus(CKD-aP)by data mining technology.Methods Literature of TCM external treatment for CKD-aP was retrieved from China Knowledge Network(CNKI),VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform(VIP),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang Data),and China Biology Medicine(CBM)since the establishment of the databases to March 31,2023.After screening according to the inclusion criteria,the final inclusion in the literature was determined,effective prescriptions were extracted,and entered into Excel 2019 to establish a prescription database.Excel 2019,SPSS Modeler 18.0,Origin 2021,and Gephi 0.10 softwares were used to perform frequency statistics,gender and taste meridian statistics,association rule analysis,and clustering analysis on prescription drugs.Results Totally 103 effective prescriptions were included,involving 133 kind of Chinese materia medica,with a total frequency of 978 times and 28 drugs with frequency≥10.The top 10 drugs were Dictamni Cortex,Kochiae Fructus,Sophorae Flavescentis Radix,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Cnidii Fructus,Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,Chuanxiaong Rhizoma,Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma,Saposheikovize Radix and Schizonepetae Herba,with cold and warm as the main properties,bitter,pungent,and as the main sweet tastes,and liver,heart,stomach,and spleen meridians as the main meridians.The association rule analysis yielded 34 groups of commonly used drug pairs.Clustering analysis obtained 4 clusters of prescriptions.Conclusion TCM external treatment for CKD-aP is mostly based on draining wind and clearing heat,drying dampness and relieving itching,nourishing blood and dispelling wind.The commonly used drugs are Dictamni Cortex,Kochiae Fructus,Sophorae Flavescentis Radix,and Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and the commonly used prescriptions include modified Shechuangzi Powder,Danggui Yinzi Decoction,Mahuang Guizhi Decoction and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction.

Can chronic spontaneous urticarial produce symptoms of neuropathic pain?

Abstract Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a condition that is associated with recurrent pruritic hives and/or angioedema lasting for more than 6 weeks and is known to affect 1% of the population. Neuropathic pain can be defined as abnormal pain in the peripheral or central nervous system following injury and results from dysfunctions in the peripheral or central nervous system without peripheral nociceptor stimulation. Histamine appears in the pathogenesis of both the CSU and diseases of the neuropathic pain spectrum. Objective To evaluate the symptoms of neuropathic pain in patients with CSU using scales. Method Fifty-one patients with CSU and 47 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Results The results of the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire revealed the scores in the sensory and affective domains, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and pain indices to be significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.05 for all cases), while the overall pain assessment and sensory assessment based on the Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) pain scale were also significantly higher in the patient group. Based on the assumption that scores of > 12 indicated neuropathy, 27 (53%) of the patients in the patient group and 8 (17%) in the control group were found to have neuropathy (p < 0.05). Study limitations Cross-sectional study, small patient sample and use of self-reported scales. Conclusion In addition to itching, patients with CSU should be aware of the potential for the association of neuropathic pain. In this chronic disease that is known to affect the quality of life, using an integrated approach with the patients and identifying accompanying problems are as important as treating the dermatological disorder.

Manejo Clínico ­ Quirúrgico de pacientes con Fisura Anal en la Unidad de Coloproctología del HECAM / Clinical-Surgical Management of patients with Anal Fissure in the Unit HECAM Coloproctology

La fisura anal es una de las enfermedades más antiguamente descritas, la misma que, ha tenido hasta el momento múltiples tratamientos tanto médicos como quirúrgicos, existiendo controversias en su algoritmo terapéutico. Constituye una de las patologías cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento corresponde a la Especialidad de Coloproctología, afecta a ambos sexos y a cualquier edad y puede ser aguda o crónica. Proponemos el presente Protocolo para un adecuado manejo de la patología, de manera que sirva de guía en la toma correcta de decisiones basadas en la evidencia y el consenso de quienes integramos la Unidad Técnica de Coloproctología del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín.

Anal fissure is one of the oldest described diseases, which has so far had multiple medical and surgical treatments, with controversies in its therapeutic algorithm. It is one of the pathologies whose diagnosis and treatment corresponds to the Coloproctology Specialty, it affects both sexes and any age and can be acute or chronic. We propose the present Protocol for an adequate management of the pathology, so that it serves as a guide in the correct decision making based on evidence and consensus of those who integrate the Technical Unit of Coloproctology of the Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín.

Dermatological manifestations of hematologic neoplasms. Part II: nonspecific skin lesions/paraneoplastic diseases

Abstract Cutaneous manifestations occur in the course of hematologic malignancies and precede, accompany or occur late in relation to the diagnosis. They result from paraneoplastic phenomena, tumor infiltrations, immunosuppression resulting from the hematologic disease itself or its treatment. The dermatologist must be aware of these conditions that may be helpful both in the diagnosis of the underlying disease and in reducing patient morbidity. This review (part II) addresses the paraneoplastic dermatological changes associated with systemic hematologic malignancies.

The role of thermosensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid channel in the dissimilation of itching sensitized by warm in atopic dermatitis / 中国医师杂志

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by itch. Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) receptor subtype channel can be activated by different ranges of harmless temperature, and plays an important role in the warm itching in AD. Inhibitors of TRPV channel can alleviate the symptoms of AD, and may be used as a new target for treatment. This paper introduces the role of thermosensitive TRPV channel in the alienation of itching sensitized by warm in AD.

Clinical study of acupuncture combined with medication in the treatment of skin pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with Western medicine in the treatment of skin pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:Eighty patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was given loratadine orally,and the observation group was given acupuncture treatment in addition to the treatment used in the control group.The four-item itch questionnaire(FIIQ)score,indicators for skin barrier function,and serum interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-31 levels were compared.The efficacy was judged after the treatment ended.Results:The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the site,frequency,severity of pruritus,sleep impact sub-scores,and FIIQ total score in both groups were reduced compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and all scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The stratum corneum hydration(SCH)and transepidermal water loss(TEWL)in the V-shaped area of the chest,the flexor side of the forearm,and the extensor side of the lower leg were not significantly changed in the control group(P>0.05);the SCH and TEWL in the V-shaped area of the chest,the flexor side of the forearm,and the extensor side of the lower leg in the observation group were improved(P<0.05),and all were better than those in the control group(P<0.05).The serum IL-2 and IL-31 levels in the control group did not change significantly(P>0.05);the serum IL-2 and IL-31 levels in the observation group were both significantly decreased(P<0.05)and were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with loratadine is highly effective in the treatment of pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis patients,and it can relieve pruritus,improve skin barrier function,and reduce serum IL-2 and IL-31 levels.

Diagnosis and classification of chronic prurigo / 中华皮肤科杂志

Chronic prurigo is an independent chronic inflammatory skin disease, and complex underlying etiologies or comorbidities may exist in patients. Diagnosis of chronic prurigo requires a systematic process, including identifying core symptoms, taking a comprehensive medical history, performing physical examination, completing necessary laboratory or imaging tests, and assessing disease severity. Treatments of chronic prurigo include management of possible causes and comorbidities, and stepwise control of pruritus. This review mainly summarizes clinical diagnosis, classification and treatment of chronic prurigo.

Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction in Improving Itching Symptoms in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Mice / 中药新药与临床药理

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction in improving the itching symptoms of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene(DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis(AD)in mice.Methods Thirty-six Balb/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Dexamethasone(positive control,2.5 mg·kg-1)group and Huanglian Jiedu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dose groups(0.4,0.8 and 1.6 g·kg-1),6 mice in each group.After shaving the back of the mice,200 μL of DNCB solution was applied to the back of the mice for sensitisation(1%DNCB for 3 consecutive days)and excitation(1.5%DNCB,starting from the fourteenth day,excitation was performed once every 3 days for a total of 5 times).The stimulation and drug interventions were carried out simultaneously,and each group was administered by gavage at a set dose once daily for 14 days.The severity score of the skin lesions was calculated with reference to the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis(SCORAD),and the number of times the mice scratched within 20 minutes was recorded.The pathological changes of the lesions were observed by HE staining;mast cell infiltration was observed by toluidine blue staining;and the mRNA expression levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP),interleukin(IL)13,histamine H4 receptor(HRH4),and IL-31 in the lesions were detected by RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the normal group,the dorsal skin of the mice in the model group showed obvious erythema,mossification,crusting and epidermal shedding after DNCB excitation,and the severity score of the lesions was significantly increased(P＜0.001);the hyperkeratosis of epidermis,the thickness of spinous layer was significantly increased(P＜0.001),sponge oedema,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration was seen in the dermis;and the number of mast cells was significantly increased(P＜0.001);the times of scratches within 20 minutes was significantly increased(P＜0.01);and the mRNA expression levels of TSLP,IL-13,HRH4,and IL-31 in the skin lesion tissue were all significantly elevated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the skin lesions on the backs of mice in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction were significantly improved,the mossy area was significantly reduced,the severity was significantly reduced,and the severity score of skin lesions was significantly reduced(P＜0.001),and the number of mast cells and the mRNA expression levels of IL-13,HRH4,and IL-31 were significantly reduced in the skin lesion tissues(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001);the thickness of the stratum spinosum was significantly reduced in the medium-and high-dose groups of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction(P＜0.001),and the number of inflammatory cells in the dermis was significantly reduced;the number of scratching in mice in the high-dose group of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction was significantly reduced within 20 minutes(P＜0.01),and the mRNA expression level of TSLP in the lesion tissue was significantly reduced(P＜0.05).Conclusion Huanglian Jiedu Decoction can alleviate itching symptoms in AD mice,and its mechanism of action may be related to repairing the skin barrier in AD mice,attenuating the infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells,and down-regulating the mRNA expressions of itch-associated factors TSLP,IL-13,IL-31 and HRH4 in skin tissues.

Propofol relieves the subcutaneous chloroquine-induced pruritus in rats via TRPV1 and CB1 receptors of spinal cord / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the possible mechanism of propofol in alleviating pruritus induced by subcutaneous injection of chloroquine in rats. METHODS: The pruritus model of chloroquine in SD rats was established and the administration time was determined. 18 rats with successful pruritus model induced by subcutaneous injection of chloroquine were randomly divided into NS group, I group and P group. Normal saline 80 μL/kg, fat emulsion 80 μL/kg and propofol 0.8 mg/kg were injected through internal jugular vein catheter 5 minutes after subcutaneous injection of chloroquine. Another 6 rats were randomly selected as group C, and the same volume of normal saline as the other 3 groups was injected subcutaneously in the back of the neck and through the internal jugular vein catheter. The rats were killed 16 minutes after the corresponding drugs were injected into the internal jugular vein. The expressions of TRPV1 and CB1 receptors in the spinal cord were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with NS group and I group, the expression level of TRPV1 receptor in the spinal cord of P group rats was significantly increased (P<0.01), while there was no statistically significant difference between C group, NS group, and I group; The expression level of CB1 receptor was significantly higher than that of group C, NS, and I (P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between group C, NS, and I. CONCLUSION: Propofol can significantly alleviate pruritus caused by subcutaneous injection of chloroquine in rats, which may exert an antipruritic effect by increasing the expression of TRPV1 and CB1 receptors in the spinal cord of rats.

Therapeutic effects of Danggui Zicao ointment on diabetic pruritus caused by heat and wind in blood / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of Danggui Zicao ointment on diabetic pruritus caused by heat and wind in blood. Methods:A total of 197 patients with diabetic pruritus caused by heat and wind in blood who received treatment in Jinhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2020 to March 2022 were included in this randomized controlled study. They were randomly divided into a control group ( n = 99) and an observation group ( n = 98). Based on basic hypoglycemic treatment, the control group was given oral levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets, while the observation group was externally given Danggui Zicao ointment. Both groups were treated for 4 successive weeks. Pre- and post-treatment 12-Item Pruritus Severity Scale (12-PSS) score and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups. Results:After 4 weeks of treatment, the 12-PSS score in each group significantly decreased compared with that before treatment ( t = 18.09, 11.31, both P < 0.05). The 12-PSS score in the observation group was (7.72 ± 1.64) points, which was significantly lower than (9.35 ± 2.18) points in the control group ( t = 3.52, P < 0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 87.8% (86/98), which was significantly higher than 76.8% (76/98) in the control group ( χ2 = 4.06, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Danggui Zicao ointment can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients with diabetic pruritus caused by heat and wind in blood, improve quality of life, and deserves clinical promotion.