Incidence and Determinants of Chronic Pruritus: A Population-based Cohort Study

Abstract

Epidemiological data on chronic pruritus (> 6 weeks) in the general population are sparse. We aimed to provide data on the incidence and prevalence of chronic pruritus, and identify its determinants based on cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. A cohort of 1,190 participants from a cross-sectional baseline-study (response rate: 57.8%) was followed up after one year. The questionnaire assessed occurrence of chronic pruritus, medical, lifestyle and psychosocial variables. Incident chronic pruritus was defined as reported chronic pruritus at follow-up in those subjects free-of-the-symptom at baseline. Cross-sectional analyses of data from the follow-up assessments addressed potential associations of medical, lifestyle and psychosocial factors with prevalent chronic pruritus. Longitudinal analyses examined sociodemographic factors as potential predictors of incident chronic pruritus. The follow-up response rate was 83.1%. The mean age of subjects was 56 years, and 58% were female. The 12-month cumulative-incidence equalled 7.0% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 5.2-9.2%. Lifetime prevalence was 25.5% (95% CI 21.8-27.8%). Incidence was significantly associated with age. Determinants of prevalent chronic pruritus in multi-variable analyses were: liver disease, asthma, eczema and dry skin within the medical domain, an elevated body mass index within the lifestyle domain and higher anxiety scores within the psychosocial domain. Findings suggest a considerable 12-month incidence and lifetime prevalence and provide important directions for future research.

Itching in Patients with Chronic Hand Eczema: Data from the CARPE Registry

“…However, little is known about factors associated with the occurrence and severity of itching in CHE. Previous studies have focused on co-factors of itching in patients with various dermatological diseases [4,5] or in samples drawn from the general population [6,7]. An ongoing cross-sectional study in dermatological departments of 13 European countries investigates the prevalence and intensity of itch in dermatological patients.…”

Clinical management of pruritus

“…15. Topical antihistamines -exception: children No prescription, due to legal regulations, of alimemazine, mepyramine [2]. Restricted prescription of prescription drugs according to this guideline [4].…”

“…In other forms of CP, when symptoms occur independent of the underlying disease, a specialist cares for the patient in cooperation with the general practitioner or dermatologist (for example, CP despite successful therapy of Sézary syndrome). Despite the high incidence (7 %) and prevalence (17-25.5 %) of CP in Germany [2], it is currently impossible to comprehensively establish specialized outpatient clinics, necessitating adequate care to rely on close cooperation between primary health care providers and experts at the few specialized national pruritus centers. Current guidelines [1] have proven helpful in providing quick initial access to the topic.…”

Magistral formulations and pruritus therapy – What is established, what is confirmed, what is new?

“…The prevalence of chronic pruritus lasting over 6 weeks is about 20 % in the general population [1][2][3]. Diagnostics include the clarification of possible causes, such as diabetes, renal, hepatic or hematologic diseases or infections.…”