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Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
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Research Techniques Made Simple: Itch Measurement in Clinical Trials
Stephen Erickson1, Brian S Kim2
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|January 23, 2019
Summary
Chronic itch, lasting over six weeks, significantly impacts quality of life. Reliable measurement tools are crucial for clinical trials developing new itch therapies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Clinical Research Methodology
Background:
- Chronic itch is a prevalent, debilitating symptom negatively affecting patient quality of life.
- Effective therapies for chronic itch disorders like atopic dermatitis necessitate accurate measurement.
- Standardized itch assessment is increasingly vital for clinical research and trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss methods for assessing chronic itch in clinical research.
- To highlight the importance of reliable itch measurement in clinical trials.
- To review subjective assessment tools for chronic itch.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of subjective patient-reported itch assessment tools.
- Exploration of unidimensional and multidimensional assessment instruments.
- Consideration of objective measures like scratching activity and skin changes.
Main Results:
- Subjective assessment tools, both unidimensional and multidimensional, are available for evaluating chronic itch.
- Objective measures of scratching and skin changes can complement subjective reports.
- Standardization efforts are underway to improve itch measurement reliability.
Conclusions:
- Accurate measurement of chronic itch is essential for evaluating therapeutic efficacy.
- Standardized subjective and objective methods enhance the reliability of clinical trial outcomes.
- Improved itch assessment supports the development of targeted therapies for chronic itch disorders.
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