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Pruritus of chronic cholestasis
1Division of Gastroenterology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-2279, USA.
QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Pruritus, or itching, is a difficult symptom in chronic cholestatic liver disease. This review focuses on managing this disabling complication, not its diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pruritus is a common and challenging symptom in chronic cholestatic liver disease.
- Cholestasis, impaired bile secretion, underlies this condition and is linked to various liver diseases.
- Clinical suspicion arises from jaundice or pruritus with elevated alkaline phosphatase relative to aminotransferases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To concentrate on the management strategies for pruritus in chronic cholestasis.
- To provide an overview of approaches to alleviate this potentially disabling symptom.
Main Methods:
- This review focuses on management, not diagnostic methods.
- It synthesizes information on treating pruritus associated with cholestasis.
Main Results:
- Several liver diseases can cause chronic cholestasis and problematic pruritus, including primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, drug-induced cholestasis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, and alcoholic liver disease.
- Accurate etiological diagnosis is achievable through a combination of clinical evaluation, serological testing, imaging, and liver biopsy.
Conclusions:
- Pruritus is a significant complication of prolonged cholestasis.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for improving patient quality of life.