Chronic Pruritus in the Geriatric Population.

Chronic pruritus (>6 week's duration) in the geriatric population (≥65 years old), is an increasing health care problem. The pathophysiologic predisposing factors are abnormalities of the epidermal barrier, immune system, and nervous system. Causes can be dichotomized into histaminergic and nonhistaminergic pruritus. Topical treatments are generally safe. Systemic treatments are chosen depending on the condition, comorbid diseases, and drug interactions. Treatment options are limited. Progress has been made in identifying itch-selective mediators over the last decade. Numerous new medications are currently undergoing clinical trials and they are anticipated to enter the clinics in the near future.

Ultrasonography in Acupuncture-Uses in Education and Research.

This study aims to explore the potential use of ultrasound in locating the second posterior sacral foramen acupuncture point, quantifying depth of insertion and describing surrounding anatomical structures. We performed acupuncture needle insertion on a study team member. There were four steps in our experiment. First, the acupuncturist located the acupuncture point by palpation. Second, we used an ultrasound machine to visualize the structures surrounding the location of the acupuncture point and measure the depth required for needle insertion. Third, the acupuncturist inserted the acupuncture needle into the acupuncture point at an angle of 30°. Fourth, we performed another ultrasound scan to ensure that the needle was in the desired location. Results suggested that ultrasound could be used to locate the acupuncture point and estimate the depth of needle insertion. The needle was inserted to a depth of 4.0 cm to reach the surface of the sacral foramen. Based on Pythagoras theorem, taking a needle insertion angle of 30° and a needle insertion depth of 4.0 cm, the estimated perpendicular depth is 1.8 cm. An ultrasound scan corroborated the depth of 1.85 cm. The use of an ultrasound-guided technique for needle insertion in acupuncture practice could help standardize the treatment. Clinicians and students would be able to visualize and measure the depth of the sacral foramen acupuncture point, to guide the depth of needle insertion. This methodological guide could also be used to create a standard treatment protocol for research. A similar mathematical guide could also be created for other acupuncture points in future.

Idiopathic aquagenic pruritus: pathogenesis and effective treatment with atenolol.

Aquagenic pruritus (AP) is a rare condition with unknown pathogenesis. We explored its pathogenesis through investigations of a patient and report the first case to be effectively treated with atenolol. A 36-year-old Indian female presented with idiopathic AP. Small-fiber neuropathy involving itch/pain-transmitting C-fibers appears to be pathogenetically important: compared with matched controls, our patient had increased intra-epidermal nerve fibers, raised warmth detection threshold, and marked hyperknesis to electrical stimulation. Autonomic nerve function tests and fingertips vasoconstriction response were normal, indicating integrity of other small (Aδ and C) nerve fibers. She was initially treated with propranolol with good response, but was subsequently switched to atenolol for convenient once-a-day dosing. Symptoms were well controlled long term with no side effect experienced. Atenolol may exert its effect in AP through blockage of over-activated neuronal sodium channels. Through the investigations, we propose that the pathogenesis of idiopathic AP may involve the following: upon contact of the skin with water, yet-unknown mediator/s released stimulate dysfunctional and hyper-innervated C-nerve fibers, which may have resulted from a sodium channel defect. Atenolol may be a preferred therapeutic option compared with propanolol, in view of its convenient once-a-day dosing and better side effect profile.