Altered resting-state functional brain activity in patients with chronic post-burn pruritus

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Dermatology

Background:

• Chronic post-burn pruritus (CPBP) is persistent itching (≥6 weeks) following burn injuries.
• The underlying brain mechanisms of CPBP remain poorly understood.
• This study investigates brain function alterations in CPBP patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore abnormal brain function in CPBP patients using resting-state fMRI.
• To identify potential neuropathological mechanisms contributing to CPBP.

Main Methods:

• Twenty CPBP patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state fMRI.
• Regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and fractional ALFF (fALFF) were analyzed.
• Statistical comparisons and correlation analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• CPBP patients showed altered ReHo, ALFF, and fALFF in brain regions including the frontal gyrus, precuneus, and insula.
• Specific alterations included increased ReHo, ALFF, and fALFF in certain areas and decreased activity in others.
• Brain activity differences correlated with burned area and pruritus severity.

Conclusions:

• CPBP is associated with altered brain activity in default mode and sensorimotor networks.
• These findings contribute to understanding the neuropathology of CPBP.
• The study highlights potential brain-based targets for CPBP management.