Pruritus Often Underreported in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Pruritus is a frequent but underreported symptom in patients with HS, according to a recent study.
The researchers set out to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pruritus in a cohort of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The academic hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in The Netherlands. The researchers used a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10) to determine the prevalence of HS-related itch (NRS score ≥3). Candidate predictors for pruritus were ascertained using logistic regression models, and the impact of pruritus was assessed using a modified 5-dimensional (5-D) itch scale.
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The study demonstrated that the prevalence rate of pruritus in 211 HS patients was 57.3%, with a mean NRS score of 6.1 ± 2.0. Patients with a pruritus NRS score ≥3 had more HS-affected body sites than patients with a score <3. The occurrence of a pruritus NRS score ≥3 was associated with Hurley III disease and pain. Pruritus affected sleep and activities of daily living in the majority of cases, with an associated modified 5-D itch score of 13.7 ± 3.6 (on a scale from 5 to 25) in 52 HS patients.
Histological examination revealed eosinophilic granulocytes were present in 25% (2/8) of the perilesional skin and 63% (10/16) of the lesional skin. A perineural infiltrate was found in 25% (2/8) and 69% (11/16) of the perilesional and lesional skin, respectively.
Pruritus, although frequently underreported as an HS symptom, can occur with moderate to severe intensity and has a significant impact on daily activities. It has great potential to impair patients’ quality of life, the researchers concluded.
—Lisa Samalonis
Reference:
Vossen ARJV, Schoenmakers A, van Straalen KR, Prens EP, van der Zee HH. Assessing pruritus in hidradenitis suppurativa: a cross-sectional study [Published Online April 20, 2017]. Am J Clin Dermatol.. doi: 10.1007/s40257-017-0280-2.