Pharmacological interventions for pruritus in adult palliative care patients

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Volumn 2013, Issue 6, 2013, Pages

  Xander, Carola ^a   Meerpohl, Joerg J ^a   Galandi, Daniel ^a   Buroh, Sabine ^a   Schwarzer, Guido ^a   Antes, Gerd ^a   Becker, Gerhild ^a  

^a UNIVERSITY OF FREIBURG   (Germany)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

ACTIVATED CARBON; ANTICONVULSIVE AGENT; CAPSAICIN; CHLORPHENIRAMINE; COLESTYRAMINE; CROMOGLYCATE DISODIUM; CYPROHEPTADINE; DOXEPIN; ERYTHROPOIETIN; FLUMECINOL; GABAPENTIN; LEUKOTRIENE RECEPTOR BLOCKING AGENT; LIDOCAINE; LORATADINE; MONTELUKAST; NALFURAFINE; NALTREXONE; ONDANSETRON; OPIATE ANTAGONIST; PAROXETINE; PLACEBO; PRAMOCAINE; PROPOFOL; RIFAMPICIN; SEROTONIN UPTAKE INHIBITOR; SERTRALINE; TACROLIMUS; TERFENADINE; THALIDOMIDE; UNINDEXED DRUG; ANESTHETIC AGENT; KAPPA OPIATE RECEPTOR; NONSTEROID ANTIINFLAMMATORY AGENT;

ABDOMINAL CRAMP; ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT; ABDOMINAL DISTENSION; ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR; ABSENCE OF SIDE EFFECTS; ADULT; ANALGESIA; ANDROGEN DEFICIENCY; ANOREXIA; ANTINOCICEPTION; BEDTIME DOSAGE; BRAIN DISEASE; BURNING SENSATION; CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME; CHOLESTATIC PRURITUS; CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE; CONSTIPATION; CONTROLLED STUDY; CROSSOVER PROCEDURE; DIABETES MELLITUS; DIARRHEA; DIZZINESS; DROWSINESS; DRUG EFFICACY; DRUG MEGADOSE; DRUG WITHDRAWAL; DRY SKIN; EOSINOPHILIA; EPISTAXIS; ERYTHEMA; EVENING DOSAGE; FATIGUE; FLATULENCE; GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOM; HALLUCINATION; HAMILTON DEPRESSION RATING SCALE; HAND EDEMA; HEADACHE; HEARTBURN; HEMATOLOGIC DISEASE; HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA; HISTAMINE RELEASE; HODGKIN DISEASE; HOT FLUSH; HUMAN; HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION; HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA; HYPEREOSINOPHILIA; HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA; HYPERPROLACTINEMIA; HYPERTENSION; HYPERTRANSAMINASEMIA; INJECTION SITE PAIN; INSOMNIA; IRON DEFICIENCY; KIDNEY FAILURE; LEUKOPENIA; LIVER DISEASE; LOOSE FECES; LOW DRUG DOSE; MALAISE; MALIGNANT NEOPLASM; MINOR AFFECTIVE DISORDER; MOOD DISORDER; MORNING DOSAGE; MUSCLE CRAMP; NAUSEA; NIGHT SWEAT; NIGHTMARE; ORAL PARESTHESIA; PALLIATIVE THERAPY; PARAPROTEINEMIA; PARESTHESIA; PATHOGENESIS; PATIENT SATISFACTION; PERIPHERAL EDEMA; POLYCYTHEMIA VERA; PRIORITY JOURNAL; PRURITUS; QUALITY OF LIFE; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL; REVIEW; RHINOPHARYNGITIS; SEDATION; SHORT FORM 36; SIDE EFFECT; SINGLE DRUG DOSE; SJOEGREN SYNDROME; SKIN BURNING SENSATION; SKIN LYMPHOMA; SLEEP DISORDER; SOLID MALIGNANT NEOPLASM; SOMNOLENCE; STRUCTURED CLINICAL INTERVIEW FOR DSM DISORDERS; SUDDEN DEAFNESS; SYSTEMATIC REVIEW; THYROID DISEASE; TINNITUS; TREMOR; UREMIC PRURITUS; VERTIGO; VISUAL ANALOG SCALE; VOMITING; XEROSTOMIA; CHOLESTASIS; DRUG POTENTIATION; META ANALYSIS; AGONISTS; COMPLICATION;

ADULT; ANESTHETICS; ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS, NON-STEROIDAL; CHOLESTASIS; HIV INFECTIONS; HUMANS; PALLIATIVE CARE; PRURITUS; RECEPTORS, OPIOID, KAPPA; RENAL INSUFFICIENCY, CHRONIC; SEROTONIN UPTAKE INHIBITORS;

EID: 84891670396     PISSN: 14651858     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008320.pub2     Document Type: Review

References (197)

1. Ashmore SD, Jones CH, Newstead CG, Daly MJ, Chrystyn H. Ondansetron therapy for uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients. American Journal of Kidney Diseases 2000;35(5):827-31.
2. Bachs L, Parés A, Montserrat E, Piera C, Rodés J. Comparison of rifampicin with phenobarbitone for treatment of pruritus in biliary cirrhosis. Lancet 1989;18:574-6.
3. Bergasa NV, McGee M, Ginsburg IH, Engler D. Gabapentin in patients with the pruritus of cholestasis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatology 2006;44(5):1317-23.
4. Borgeat A, Wilder-Smith OH, Saiah M, Rifat K. Subhypnotic doses of propofol relieve pruritus induced by epidural and intrathecal morphine. Anesthesiology 1992;76(4):510-2.
5. Breneman DL, Cardone JS, Blumsack RF, Lather RM, Searle EA, Pollack VE. Topical capsaicin for treatment of hemodialysis-related pruritus. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1992;26(1):91-4.
6. Cho YL, Liu HN, Huang TP, Tarng DC. Uremic pruritus: roles of parathyroid hormone and substance P. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1997;36(4):538-43.
7. De Marchi S, Cecchin E, Villalta D, Sepiacci G, Santini G, Bartoli E. Relief of pruritus and decreases in plasma histamine concentrations during erythropoietin therapy in patients with uremia. New England Journal of Medicine 1992;326(15):969-74.
8. Duncan JS, Kennedy HJ, Triger DR. Treatment of pruritus due to chronic obstructive liver disease. Brtish Medical Journal (Clin Res Ed) 1984;289(6436):22.
9. Duque MI, Yosipovitch G, Fleischer AB Jr, Willard J, Freedman BI. Lack of efficacy of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% for treatment of hemodialysis-related pruritus: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2005;52:519-21.
10. Ghent CN, Carruthers SG. Treatment of pruritus in primary biliary cirrhosis with rifampin. Results of a double-blind, crossover, randomized trial. Gastroenterology 1988;94(2):488-93.
11. Gunal AI, Ozalp G, Yoldas TK, Gunal SY, Kirciman E, Celiker H. Gabapentin therapy for pruritus in haemodialysis patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation 2004;19(12):3137-9.
12. Kuiper EM, van Erpecum KJ, Beuers U, Hansen BE, Thio HB, de Man RA, et al. The potent bile acid sequestrant colesevelam is not effective in cholestatic pruritus: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatology 2010;52(4):1334-40.
13. Kumagai H, Ebata T, Takamori K, Muramatsu T, Nakamoto H, Suzuki H. Effect of a novel kappa-receptor agonist, nalfurafine hydrochloride, on severe itch in 337 haemodialysis patients: a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation 2010;25(4):1251-7.
14. Legroux-Crespel E, Clèdes J, Misery L. A comparative study on the effects of naltrexone and loratadine on uremic pruritus. Dermatology 2004;208:326-30.
15. Makhlough A. Topical capsaicin therapy for uremic pruritus in patients on hemodialysis. Iranian Journal of Kidney Diseases 2010;4(2):137-40.
16. Mayo MJ, Handem I, Saldana S, Jacobe H, Getachew Y, Rush AJ. Sertraline as a first-line treatment for cholestatic pruritus. Hepatology 2007;45(3):666-74.
17. Murphy M, Reaich D, Pai P, Finn P, Carmichael AJ. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of ondansetron in renal itch. British Journal of Dermatology 2003;148(2):314-7.
18. Naini AE, Harandi AA, Khanbabapour S, Shahidi S, Seirafiyan S, Mohseni M. Gabapentin: a promising drug for the treatment of uremic pruritus. Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation 2007;18(3):378-81.
19. Nasrollahi AR, Miladipour A, Ghanei E, Yavari P, Haghverdi F. Montelukast for treatment of refractory pruritus in patients on hemodialysis. Iranian Journal of Kidney Diseases 2007;1(2):73-7.
20. O'Donohue JW, Pereira SP, Ashdown AC, Haigh CG, Wilkinson JR, Williams R. A controlled trial of ondansetron in the pruritus of cholestasis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2005;21(8):1041-5.
21. Özaykan S, Mansur T, Gündüz S, Güney O. Comparison of ondansetron and cyproheptadine in treatment of uremic pruritus [Üremi Kaşintisi Olan Hastlarda Ondansetron ve Siproheptadinin Etkinliğinin Karşi laşti ri lmasi ]. Türkderm 2001;35:130-4.
22. Pauli-Magnus C, Mikus G, Alscher DM, Kirschner T, Nagel W, Gugeler N, et al. Naltrexone does not relieve uremic pruritus: results of a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 2000;11:514-9.
23. Pederson JA, Matter BJ, Czerwinski AW, Llach F. Relief of idiopathic generalized pruritus in dialysis patients treated with activated oral charcoal. Annals of Internal Medicine 1980;93(3):446-8.
24. Peer G, Kivity S, Agami O, Fireman E, Silverberg D, Blum M, et al. Randomized cross over trial of naltrexone in uraemic pruritus. Lancet 1996;348:1552-4.
25. Podesta A, Lopez P, Terg R, Villamil F, Flores D, Mastai R, et al. Treatment of pruritus of primary biliary cirrhosis with rifampin. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 1991;36(2):216-20.
26. Pour-Reza-Gholi F, Nasrollahi A, Firouzan A, Nasli Esfahani E, Farrokhi F. Low-dose doxepin for treatment of pruritus in patients on hemodialysis. Iranian Journal of Kidney Diseases 2007;1(1):34-7.
27. Silva SR, Viana PC, Lugon NV, Hoette M, Ruzany F, Lugon JR. Thalidomide for the treatment of uremic pruritus: a crossover randomized double-blind trial. Nephron 1994;67(3):270-3.
28. Silverberg DS, Iaina A, Reisin E, Rotzak R, Eliahou HE. Cholestyramine in uraemic pruritus. British Medical Journal 1977;1(6063):752-3.
29. Smith KJ, Skelton HG, Yeager J, Lee RB, Wagner KF. Pruritus in HIV-1 disease: therapy with drugs which may modulate the pattern of immune dysregulation. Dermatology 1997;195(4):353-8.
30. Tarng DC, Cho YL, Liu HN, Huang TP. Hemodialysis-related pruritus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of capsaicin 0.025% cream. Nephron 1996;72(4):617-22.
31. Terg R, Coronel E, Sordá J, Muñoz AE, Findor J. Efficacy and safety of oral naltrexone treatment for pruritus of cholestasis, a crossover, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Hepatology 2002;37:717-22.
32. Turner IB, Rawlins MD, Wood P, James OF. Flumecinol for the treatment of pruritus associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 1994;8(3):337-42.
33. Turner IB, Rawlins MD, Wood P, James OF. Flumecinol for the treatment of pruritus associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 1994;8(3):337-42.
34. Vessal G, Sagheb MM, Shilian S, Jafari P, Samani SM. Effect of oral cromolyn sodium on CKD-associated pruritus and serum tryptase level: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation 2010;25(5):1541-7.
35. Villamil AG, Bandi JC, Galdame OA, Gerona S, Gadano AC. Efficacy of lidocaine in the treatment of pruritus in patients with chronic cholestatic liver diseases. The American Journal of Medicine 2005;118(10):1160-3.
36. Wikström B, Gellert R, Ladefoged SD, Danda Y, Akai M, Ide K, et al. Kappa-opioid system in uremic pruritus: multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 2005;16:3742-7.
37. Wikström B, Gellert R, Ladefoged SD, Danda Y, Akai M, Ide K, et al. Kappa-opioid system in uremic pruritus: multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 2005;16(12):3742-7.
38. Wolfhagen FH, Sternieri E, Hop WC, Vitale G, Bertolotti M, Van Buuren HR. Oral naltrexone treatment for cholestatic pruritus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Gastroenterology 1997;113(4):1264-9.
39. Young TA, Patel TS, Camacho F, Clark A, Freedman BI, Kaur M, et al. A pramoxine-based anti-itch lotion is more effective than a control lotion for the treatment of uremic pruritus in adult hemodialysis patients. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2009;20(2):76-81.
40. Zylicz Z, Krajnik M, Sorge AA, Costantini M. Paroxetine in the treatment of severe non-dermatological pruritus: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2003;26(6):1105-12.
41. Almasio PL, Floreani A, Chiaramonte M, Provenzano G, Battezzati P, Crosignani A, et al. Multicentre randomized placebo-controlled trial of ursodeoxycholic acid with or without colchicine in symptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2000;14(12):1645-52.
42. Aperis G, Paliouras C, Zervos A, Arvanitis A, Alivanis P. The use of pregabalin in the treatment of uraemic pruritus in haemodialysis patients. Journal of Renal Care 2010;36(4):180-5.
43. Aymard JP, Lederlin P, Witz F, Colomb JN, Herbeuval R, Weber B. Cimetidine for pruritus in Hodgkin's disease. British Medical Journal 1980;280(6208):151-2.
44. Balaskas EV, Bamihas GI, Karamouzis M, Voyiatzis G, Tourkantonis A. Histamine and serotonin in uremic pruritus: effect of ondansetron in CAPD-pruritic patients. Nephron 1998;78:395-402.
45. Bergasa NV, Jones EA. Management of the pruritus of cholestasis: potential role of opiate antagonists. American Journal of Gastroenterology 1991;86:1404-12.
46. Bergasa NV, Talbot TL, Alling DW, Schmitt JM, Walker EC, Baker BL, et al. A controlled trial of naloxone infusions for the pruritus of chronic cholestasis. Gastroenterology 1992;102:544-9.
47. Bergasa NV, Alling DW, Talbot TL, Swain MG, Yurdaydin C, Turner ML, et al. Effects of naloxone infusions in patients with the pruritus of cholestasis. A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine 1995;123(3):161-7.
48. Bergasa NV, Alling DW, Talbot TL, Wells MC, Jones EA. Oral nalmefene therapy reduces scratching activity due to the pruritus of cholestasis: a controlled study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1999;41(3 Pt 1):431-4.
49. Berman B, Flores F, Burke G 3rd. Efficacy of pentoxifylline in the treatment of pruritic papular eruption of HIV-infected persons. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1998;38(6):955-9.
50. Bigliardi PL, Stammer H, Jost G, Rufli T, Büchner S, Bigliardi-Qi M. Treatment of pruritus with topically applied opiate receptor antagonist. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2007;56(6):979-88.
51. Borgeat A, Mentha G, Savioz D, Wilder-Smith OH. Pruritus associated with liver disease: Propofol, a new therapeutic approach?. Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift [Swiss Medical Weekly] 1994;124(15):649-50.
52. Bousquet J, Rivory JP, Maheut M, Michel FB, Mion C. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of nicergoline in the treatment of pruritus in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1989;83(4):825-8.
53. Breneman DL, Cardone JS, Blumsack RF, Lather RM, Searle EA, Pollack VE. Topical capsaicin for treatment of hemodialysis-related pruritus. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1992;26(1):91-4.
54. Castello M, Milani M. Efficacy of topical hydrating and emollient lotion containing 10% urea ISDIN® plus dexpanthenol (Ureadin Rx 10) in the treatment of skin xerosis and pruritus in hemodialyzed patients: an open prospective pilot trial. Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia e Venereologia [Official Journal of the Italian Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases] 2011;46(5):321-5.
55. Chen YC, Chiu WT, Wu MS. Therapeutic effect of topical gamma-linolenic acid on refractory uremic pruritus. American Journal of Kidney Diseases 2006;48(1):69-76.
56. Datta DV, Sherlock S. Cholestyramine for long term relief of the pruritus complicating intrahepatic cholestasis. Gastroenterology 1966;50:323-32.
57. Davis MP, Frandsen JL, Walsh D, Andresen S, Taylor S. Mirtazapine for pruritus. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2003;25:288-91.
58. Easton P, Galbraith PR. Cimetidine treatment of pruritus in polycythemia vera. New England Journal of Medicine 1978;299:1134.
59. Fjellner B, Hagermark O. Pruritus in polycythemia vera: treatment with aspirin and possibility of platelet involvement. Acta Dermato-Venereologica 1979;59:505-12.
60. Ghorbani AR, Feily A, Khalili A, Dormanesh B. Lack of efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitor pimecrolimus 1% on pruritus of severely uremic patients: a randomized double-blind study in 60 patients. Dermatitis 2011;22(3):167-8.
61. Giovannetti S, Barsotti G, Cupisti A, Dani L, Bandini S, Angelini D, et al. Oral activated charcoal in patients with uremic pruritus. Nephron 1995;70(2):193-6.
62. Goicoechea M, de Sequera P, Ochando A, Andrea C, Caramelo C. Uremic pruritus: an unresolved problem in hemodialysis patients. Nephron 1999;82:73-4.
63. Goncalves F. Thalidomide for the control of severe paraneoplastic pruritus associated with Hodgkin's disease. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine 2010;27(7):486-7.
64. Hellier FF. A comparative trial of trimeprazine and amylobarbitone in pruritus. Lancet 1963;1:471-2.
65. Jones EA, Zylicz Z. Treatment of pruritus caused by cholestasis with opioid antagonists. Journal of Palliative Medicine 2005;8(6):1290-4.
66. Jones EA, Molenaar HA, Oosting J. Ondansetron and pruritus in chronic liver disease: a controlled study. Hepato-Gastroenterology 2007;54:1196-9.
67. Juby LD, Wong VS, Losowsky MS. Buprenorphine and hepatic pruritus. British Journal of Clinical Practice 1994;48(6):331.
68. Kato A, Takita T, Furuhashi M, Takahashi T, Watanabe T, Maruyama Y, et al. Polymethylmethacrylate efficacy in reduction of renal itching in hemodialysis patients: crossover study and role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Artificial Organs 2001;25(6):441-7.
69. Korfitis C, Trafalis DT. Carbamazepine can be effective in alleviating tormenting pruritus in patients with hematologic malignancy. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2008;35(6):571-2.
70. Kuypers DR, Claes K, Evenepoel P, Maes B, Vanrenterghem Y. A prospective proof of concept study of the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment on uraemic pruritus (UP) in patients on chronic dialysis therapy. Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation 2004;19(7):1895-901.
71. Lysy J, Sistiery-Ittah M, Israelit Y, Shmueli A, Strauss-Liviatan N, Mindrul V, et al. Topical capsaicin-a novel and effective treatment for idiopathic intractable pruritus ani: a randomised, placebo controlled, crossover study. Gut 2003;52(9):1323-6.
72. Mansour-Ghanaei F, Taheri A, Froutan H, Ghofrani H, Nasiri-Toosi M, Bagherzadeh AH, et al. Effect of oral naltrexone on pruritus in cholestatic patients. World Journal of Gastroenterology 2006;12(7):1125-8.
73. Marquez D, Ramonda C, Lauxmann JE, Romero CA, Vukelic VL, Martinatto C, et al. Uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients: treatment with desloratidine versus gabapentin. Jornal Brasileiro Nefrologia 2012;34(2):148-52.
74. Metze D, Reimann S, Beissert S, Luger T. Efficacy and safety of naltrexone, an oral opiate receptor antagonist, in the treatment of pruritus in internal and dermatological diseases. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1999;41:533-9.
75. Montero JL, Pozo JC, Barrera P, Fraga E, Costán G, Domínguez JL, et al. Treatment of refractory cholestatic pruritus with molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS). Transplantation Proceedings 2006;38(8):2511-3.
76. Müller C, Pongratz S, Pidlich J, Penner E, Kaider A, Schemper M, et al. Treatment of pruritus in chronic liver disease with the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor type 3 antagonist ondansetron: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over trial. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 1998;10(10):865-70.
77. Müller C, Pongratz S, Pidlich J, Penner E, Kaider A, Schemper M, et al. Treatment of pruritus in chronic liver disease with the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor type 3 antagonist ondansetron: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over trial. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 1998;10:865-70.
78. Podesta A, Lopez P, Terg R, Villamil F, Flores D, Mastai R, et al. Treatment of pruritus of primary biliary cirrhosis with rifampin. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 1991;36(2):216-20.
79. Price TJ, Patterson WK, Olver IN. Rifampicin as treatment for pruritus in malignant cholestasis. Supportive Care in Cancer 1998;6(6):533-5.
80. Prieto LN. The use of midazolam to treat itching in a terminally ill patient with biliary obstruction. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2004;28(6):531-2.
81. Razeghi E, Eskandari D, Ganji MR, Meysamie AP, Togha M, Khashayar P. Gabapentin and uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Renal Failure 2009;31(2):85-90.
82. Rifai K, Hafer C, Rosenau J, Athmann C, Haller H, Peter Manns M, et al. Treatment of severe refractory pruritus with fractionated plasma separation and adsorption (Prometheus ®). Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 2006;41(10):1212-7.
83. Sja'bani M, Asdie AH. Effect of erythropoietin on pruritus and quality of life in chronic hemodialyzed end stage renal disease patients. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 1997;50 Suppl 1:10S.
84. Ständer S, Böckenholt B, Schürmeyer-Horst F, Weishaupt C, Heuft G, Luger TA, et al. Treatment of chronic pruritus with the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors paroxetine and fluvoxamine: results of an open-labelled, two-arm proof-of-concept study. Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2009;89:45-51.
85. Szepietowski JC, Szepietowski T, Reich A. Efficacy and tolerance of the cream containing structured physiological lipids with endocannabinoids in the treatment of uremic pruritus: a preliminary study. Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica 2005;13(2):97-103.
86. Tokgöz B, Ata A, SIpahIoğlu M, Oymak O, Utaş S, Utaş C. Effects of oral granisetron treatment on uremic pruritus. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2005;35:93-7.
87. Feily A, Dormanesh B, Ghorbani AR, Moosavi Z, Kouchak M, Cheraghian B, et al. Efficacy of topical cromolyn sodium 4% on pruritus in uremic nephrogenic patients: a randomized double-blind study in 60 patients. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2012;50(7):510-3.
88. Najafabadi MM, Faghihi G, Emami A, Monghad M, Moeenzadeh F, Sharif N, et al. Zinc sulfate for relief of pruritus in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis 2012;16(2):142-5.
89. Siu YP, Tong KH, Leung KT, Kwan TH, Au, TC. Gabapentin -A Solution to Uremic Pruritus? A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Study. http://clinicaltrials.gov. Accessed: 28 August 2012, issue NCT00577967.
90. Fleischer A. A Controlled Comparative Study of the Efficacy of SARNA Sensitive Lotion for Treatment of Uremic Pruritus in Adult Hemodialysis Patients. http://clinicaltrials.gov. Accessed: 28 August 2012.
91. NN. Colesevelam Versus Placebo in Cholestatic Pruritus. A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. http://clinicaltrials.gov. Accessed: 28 August 2012.
92. NN, Acologix, Inc. A Randomized-Withdrawal Phase 3 Study Evaluation the Safety and Efficacy of Oral Nalfurafine HCl (AC-820)in Subjects on Hemodialysis With Uremic Pruritus (Renal Itch). http://clinicaltrials.gov. Accessed: 28 August 2012.
93. Schanler M, Fishbane S. A Randomized Prospective, Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study of Oral Ergocalciferol in the Treatment of Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients. http://clinicaltrials.gov. Accessed: 28 August 2012 A.
94. Kim SG. 14 Day, Multi-center, Randomized, Double Blinded, Placebo-controlled, Parallel Group, Fixed Dose, Phase III Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of TRK-820 in Treating Conventional-treatment-resistant Pruritus in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis. http://clinicaltrials.gov. Accessed: 28 August 2012.
95. Ahern K, Gilmore ES, Poligone B. Pruritus in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: A review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: JAAD 2012;Jan 26:[E-pub ahead of print].
96. Bergasa NV. Pruritus in primary biliary cirrhosis: pathogenesis and therapy. Clinics in Liver Disease 2008;12(2):385-406.
97. Bernhard JD. Itch and pruritus: what are they, and how should itches be classified?. Dermatologic Therapy 2005;18:288-91.
98. Bohlius J, Schmidlin K, Brillant C, Schwarzer G, Trelle S, Seidenfeld J, et al. Erythropoietin or darbepoetin for patients with cancer--meta-analysis based on individual patient data. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009 Jul 8, Issue 3. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007303.pub2]
99. Bruera E, Higginson IJ, Ripamonti C, Von Gunten C. Textbook of Palliative Medicine. 1st Edition. Canada: Hodder Arnold Publishers, 2009.
100. Chaing HC, Huang V, Cornelius LA. Cancer and itch. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2011;30(2):107-12.
101. Derry S, Moore RA. Topical capsaicin (low concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 9. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010111]
102. Derry S, Rice ASC, Cole P, Tan T, Moore RA. Topical capsaicin (high concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 2. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007393.pub3]
103. Dorman S, Perkins P. Droperidol for treatment of nausea and vomiting in palliative care patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010;10:CD006938.
104. Doyle D, Hanks G, Cherny NI, Calman K. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine. III Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.
105. Duley L, Gülmezoglu AM, Henderson-Smart DJ, Chou D. Magnesium sulphate and other anticonvulsants for women with pre-eclampsia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 Nov 10, Issue 11. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000025.pub2]
106. Duo LJ. Electrical needle therapy of uremic pruritus. Nephron 1987;47(3):179-83.
107. Elmariah SB, Lerner EA. Topical therapies for pruritus. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2011;30(2):118-26.
108. Ferrell BR, Coyle N. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing. III Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.
109. Fransway AF, Winkelmann RK. Treatment of pruritus. Seminars in Dermatology 1988;7:310-25.
110. Gaudy-Marqueste C. Antihistamines. In: Misery L, Ständer S editor(s). Pruritus. London: Springer, 2010:277-88.
111. Gooding SM, Canter PH, Coelho HF, Boddy K, Ernst E. Systematic review of topical capsaicin in the treatment of pruritus. International Journal of Dermatology 2010;49(8):858-65.
112. Gowing L, Ali R, White JM. Opioid antagonists under heavy sedation or anaesthesia for opioid withdrawal. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 Jan 20, Issue 1. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002022.pub3]
113. Haffenreffer S. On pruritus [De pruriti, in Nosodochium, in quo cutis, eique adhaerentium partium, affectus omnes, singulari methodo, et cognoscendi et curandi fidelissime traduntur]. De pruriti. Ulm: Haffenreffer S, 1660:98-102.
114. Hanks G, Cherny NI, Christakis NA, Fallon M, Kaasa S, Portenoy RK. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine. 4th Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.
115. Hedayati H, Parsons J, Crowther CA. Topically applied anaesthetics for treating perineal pain after childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005 Apr 18, Issue 2. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004223.pub2]
116. Higgins JPT, Thompson SG. Quantifying heterogeneity in a meta-analysis. Statistics in Medicine 2002;21:1539-58.
117. Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). In: The Cochrane Collaboration, editor(s). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0. Available from www.cochrane-handbook.org. Vol. Updated March 2011, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011.
118. Higginson IJ, Hearn J. A multicenter evaluation of cancer pain control by palliative care teams. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 1997;14(1):29-35.
119. Ikoma A, Steinhoff M, Stander S, Yosipovitch G, Schmelz M. The neurobiology of itch. Nature Reviews. Neuroscience 2006;7:535-47.
120. Ingham JG. Quantitative evaluation of subjective symptoms. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine 1969;62(5):492-4.
121. Jones EA, Bergasa NV. The pruritus of cholestasis. Hepatology 1999;29:1003-6.
122. Kantor GR, Lookingbill DP. Generalized pruritus and systemic disease. Journal of American Medical Dermatology 1983;9:375-82.
123. Khandelwal M, Malet PF. Pruritus associated with cholestasis. A review of pathogenesis and management. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 1994;39:1-8.
124. Khurana S, Singh P. Rifampin is safe for treatment of pruritus due to chronic cholestasis: a meta-analysis of prospective randomized-controlled trials. Liver International 2006;26(8):943-8.
125. Krajnik M, Zylicz Z. Understanding pruritus in systemic disease. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2001;21:151-68.
126. Krajnik M, Zylicz Z. Pruritus in advanced internal diseases. Pathogenesis and treatment. Netherlands Journal of Medicine 2001;58:27-40.
127. Langner MD, Maibach HI. Pruritus measurement and treatment. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2009;34:285-8.
128. Larijani GE, Goldberg ME, Rogers KH. Treatment of opioid-induced pruritus with ondansetron: report of four patients. Pharmacotherapy 1996;16:958-60.
129. Lober CW. Should the patient with generalized pruritus be evaluated for malignancy?. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1988;19:350-2.
130. Lowrie EG, Lazarus JM, Hampers CL, Merrill JP. Some statistical methods for use in assessing the adequacy of hemodialysis. Kidney International Supplement 1975;2:231-42.
131. MacDonald N, Oneschuck D, Hagen N. Palliative medicine: a case-based manual. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005.
132. Manenti L, Tansinda P, Vaglio A. Uraemic pruritus: clinical characteristics, pathophysiology and treatment. Drugs 2009;69(3):251-63.
133. McHugh SM, Rifkin IR, Deighton J, Wilson AB, Lachmann PJ, Lockwood CM, et al. The immunosuppressive drug thalidomide induces T helper cell type 2 (Th2) and concomitantly inhibits Th1 cytokine production in mitogen-and antigen-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. Clinical & Experimental Immunology 1995;99(2):160-7.
134. Mela M, Mancuso A, Burroughs AK. Review article: pruritus in cholestatic and other liver diseases. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2003;17(7):857-70.
135. Melin L, Frederikson T, Noren P, Swebilius BG. Behavioural treatment of scratching in patients with atopic dermatitis. British Journal of Dermatology 1986;115:467-74.
136. Mettang T, Fritz P, Weber J, Machleidt C, Hubl E, Kuhlmann U. Uremic pruritus in patients on hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): the role of plasma histamine and skin mast cells. Clinical Nephrology 1990;34:136-41.
137. Mettang T, Pauli-Magnus C, Alscher DM. Uraemic pruritus -new perspectives and insights from recent trials. Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation 2002;17(9):1558-63.
138. Mettang T. Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus. In: Misery L, Ständer S editor(s). Pruritus. London: Springer, 2010:167-77.
139. Metz M, Ständer S. Chronic pruritus -pathogenesis, clinical aspects and treatment. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2010;24:1249-60.
140. Metze D, Reimann S, Luger TA. Effective treatment of pruritus with naltrexone, an orally active opiate antagonist. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1999;885:430-2.
141. Misery L, Städer S. Pruritus. London: Springer, 2010.
142. Moore RA, Straube S, Wiffen PJ, Derry S, McQuay HJ. Pregabalin for acute and chronic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009 Jul 8, Issue 3. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007076.pub2]
143. Moore RA, Wiffen PJ, Derry S, McQuay HJ. Gabapentin for chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011 Mar 16, Issue 3. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007938.pub2]
144. Moretti S, Prignano F, Lotti T. Systemic Immunosuppressants in the treatment of pruritus. In: Misery L, Ständer S editor(s). Pruritus. London: Springer, 2010:307-10.
145. Narita I, Alchi B, Omori K, Sato F, Ajiro J, Saga D, et al. Etiology and prognostic significance of severe uremic pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients. Kidney International 2006;69(9):1626-32.
146. Perkins P, Dorman S. Haloperidol for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in palliative care patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006271.pub2]
147. Phan NQ, Bernhard JD, Luger TA, Ständer S. Antipruritic treatment with systemic μ-opioid receptor antagonists: a review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2010;63(4):680-8.
148. Potter J, Hami F, Bryan T, Quigley C. Symptoms in 400 patients referred to palliative care services: prevalence and patterns. Palliative Medicine 2003;17(4):310-4.
149. Proske S, Hartschuh W. Anal Pruritus. In: Misery L, Ständer S editor(s). Pruritus. 1st Edition. London: Springer, 2010:125-8.
150. Raap U, Kapp A, Darsow U. Antidepressant drugs: a reasonable therapy for pruritus?. Der Hautarzt 2012;63(7):553-7.
151. Ratilal B, Costa J, Sampaio C. Anticonvulsants for preventing seizures in patients with chronic subdural haematoma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005 Jul 20, Issue 3. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004893.pub2]
152. Reich A, Heisig M, Szepietowski JC. Visual analogue scale as a validated assessment of pruritus intensity (abstract OP03; 5th International Workshop for the Study of Itch). Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2008; Vol. 89:684-720.
153. Review Manager (RevMan) [Computer program]. Version 5.1. The Nordic Cochrane Centre. The Cochrane Collaboration (http://www.cc-ims.net/RevMan) 2011.
154. Rösner S, Hackl-Herrwerth A, Leucht S, Vecchi S, Srisurapanont M, Soyka M. Opioid antagonists for alcohol dependence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 Dec 8, Issue 12. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001867.pub3]
155. Schmelz M, Schmidt R, Bickel A, Handwerker HO, Torebjork HE. Specific C-receptors for itch in human skin. Journal of Neuroscience 1997;17:8003-8.
156. Schworer H, Hartmann H, Ramadori G. Relief of cholestatic pruritus by a novel class of drugs: 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists: effectiveness of ondansetron. Pain 1995;61:33-7.
157. Seccareccia D, Gebara N. Pruritus in palliative care. Canadian Family Physician 2011;57:1010-3.
158. Seiz A, Yarbro C. Pruritus. In: Yarbro CH, Frogge M, Goodman M editor(s). Cancer Symptom Management. Boston: Jones and Bartlett, 1999:148-60.
159. Sharp HL, Carey JBJ, White JG, Krivit W. Cholestyramine therapy in patients with a paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts. Journal of Pediatrics 1967;71:723-36.
160. Smith PF, Corelli RL. Doxepin in the management of pruritus associated with allergic cutaneous reactions. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 1997;31:633-5.
161. Steinhoff M, Bienenstock J, Schmelz M, Maurer M, Wei E, Biro T. Neurophysiological, neuroimmunological, and neuroendocrine basis of pruritus. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2006;126:1705-18.
162. Steinhoff M, Cevikbas F, Ikoma A, Berger TG. Pruritus: management algorithms and experimental therapies. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2011;30(2):127-37.
163. Ständer S, Weisshaar E, Luger TA. Neurophysiological and neurochemical basis of modern pruritus treatment. Experimental Dermatology 2008;17(3):161-9.
164. Summey BTJ, Yosipovitch G. Pharmacologic advances in the systemic treatment of itch. Dermatologic Therapy 2005;18(4):328-32.
165. Summey B. Pruritus. In: Walsh DT, Caraceni AT, Fainsinger R, et al. editor(s). Palliative Medicine. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.
166. Suthanthiran M, Strom TB. Renal transplantation. New England Journal of Medicine 1994;331(6):365-76.
167. Sykes N, Edmonds P, Wiles J. Management of Advanced Disease. 4th Edition. London: Arnold, 2004.
168. Szepietowski JC, Salomon J. Pruritus: still an important clinical problem. Journal of American Academic Dermatology 2004;51:842-3.
169. Tandon P, Rowe BH, Vandermeer B, Bain VG. The efficacy and safety of bile acid binding agents, opioid antagonists, or rifampin in the treatment of cholestasis-associated pruritus. American Journal of Gastroenterology 2007;102:1528-36.
170. Tennyson H, Levine N. Neurotropic and psychotropic drugs in dermatology. Dermatologic Clinics 2001;19:179-97.
171. Trauner M, Wagner M, Fickert P, Zollner G. Molecular regulation of hepatobiliary transport systems: clinical implications for understanding and treating cholestasis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 2005;39:111-24.
172. Turk DC, Dworkin RH, McDermott MP, Bellamy N, Kurke LB, Chandler JM, et al. Analyzing multiple endpoints in clinical trials of pain treatments: IMMPACT recommendations. Pain 2008;139(3):485-93.
173. Turner IB, James 0FW, Wood P, Ward A, Nagy JT, Kawlins MD. Flumecinol is a powerful inducer of bilirubin conjugation in Gilbert's syndrome. Hepatology 1990;12:415 (abstract).
174. Twycross R, Wilcock A. Symptom Management in Advanced Cancer. Oxford: Radcliffe Publishing, 2001.
175. Twycross R. Pruritus: past, present, and future. In: Zylicz Z, Twycross R, Jones EA editor(s). Pruritus in Advanced Disease. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004:191-9.
176. Twycross R, Wilcock A. Palliative Care Formulary. III Edition. Nottingham: palliativedrugs.com Ltd., 2007.
177. Uthayakumar S, Nandwani R, Drinkwater T, Nayagam AT, Darley CR. The prevalence of skin disease in HIV infection and its relationship to the degree of immunosuppression. British Journal of Dermatology 1997;137:595-8.
178. Wallengren J. Measurement of itch. In: Misery L, Ständer S editor(s). Pruritus. London: Springer, 2010:45-50.
179. Walsh D, Donnelly S, Rybicki L. The symptoms of advanced cancer: relationship to age, gender, and performance status in 1000 patients. Supportive Care in Cancer 2000;8(3):175-9.
180. Wang H, Yosipovitch G. New insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic itch in patients with end-stage renal disease, chronic liver disease, and lymphoma. International Journal of Dermatology 2010;49:1-11.
181. Watson M, Lucas C, Hoy A, Wells J. Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care (Oxford Medical Handbooks). 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.
182. Watts K, Chavasse RJ. Leukotriene receptor antagonists in addition to usual care for acute asthma in adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012 May 16, Issue 5:CD006100. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006100.pub2]
183. Webster A, Woodroffe RC, Taylor RS, Chapman JR, Craig JC. Tacrolimus versus cyclosporin as primary immunosuppression for kidney transplant recipients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005 Oct 19, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003961.pub2]
184. Wee B, Hadley G, Derry S. How useful are systematic reviews for informing palliative care practice? Survey of 25 Cochrane systematic reviews. BMC Palliative Care 2008;7:1-6.
185. Weisshaar E, Kucenic MJ, Fleischer AB. Pruritus -a review. Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2003 Suppl 213;213:5-32.
186. Weisshaar E, Dalgard F. Epidemilogy of itch: adding the burden of skin morbidity. Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2009;89:339-50.
187. Wiffen PJ, Derry S, Moore RA, McQuay HJ. Carbamazepine for acute and chronic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011 Jan 19, Issue 1. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005451.pub2]
188. Wilde MI, Markham A. Ondansetron. A review of its pharmacology and preliminary clinical findings in novel applications. Drugs 1996;52:773-94.
189. Winkelmann RK, Müller SA. Pruritus. Annual Review of Medicine 1964;15:53-64.
190. Winkelmann RK. Pharmacologic control of pruritus. Medical Clinics of North America 1982;66:1119-33.
191. Yamaguchi T, Nagasawa T, Satoh M, Kuraishi Y. Itch-associated response induced by intradermal serotonin through 5-HT2 receptors in mice. Neuroscience Research 1999;35:77-83.
192. Yatzidis H. Activated charcoal rediscovered. British Medical Journal 1972;4:51.
193. Ye JH, Ponnudurai R, Schaefer R. Ondansetron: a selective 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist and its applications in CNS-related disorders. CNS Drug Review 2001;7(2):199-213.
194. Yosipovitch G, Greaves MW, Schmelz M. Itch. Lancet 2003;361:690-4.
195. Zylicz Z, Smits C, Krajnik M. Paroxetine for pruritus in advanced cancer. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 1998;16:121-4.
196. Zylicz Z, Twycross R, Jones AE. Pruritus in Advanced Disease. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
197. Zylicz Z, Twycross R, Jones AE. Pruritus. Diagnostik und Therapie von chronisch-systemischem Hautjucken. Bern: Verlag Hans Huber, 2009.