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Pruritus in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: New Insights into Cause and Treatment

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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

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Abstract

Pruritus is a symptom commonly experienced by patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), ranging in severity from mild and unobtrusive to being profoundly debilitating. However, the etiology of pruritus in PSC patients remains poorly understood, resulting in therapeutic approaches which are often empiric in nature. With an improved understanding of how the cutaneous itch sensation is generated and modulated, the hope is that more targeted therapies will be developed and become available for clinical use. In this chapter, the extent of pruritus as a clinical problem among PSC patients will be outlined and potential pathophysiological mechanisms that may lead to the development of pruritus in PSC patients discussed. In addition, a stepwise approach to managing pruritus in PSC patients will be presented.

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  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

    Mark G. Swain MD, MSc, FRCPC, FAASLD

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  1. Mark G. Swain MD, MSc, FRCPC, FAASLD
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  1. Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA

    Lisa M. Forman

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Swain, M.G. (2017). Pruritus in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: New Insights into Cause and Treatment. In: Forman, L. (eds) Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40908-5_10

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