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Brooks SG, Yosipovitch G. Unmet needs in treating itch: reaching beyond eczema. J DERMATOL TREAT 2024; 35:2351487. [PMID: 38945542 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2351487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pruritus is an unpleasant sensation that creates the urge to scratch. In many chronic conditions, relentless pruritus and scratching perpetuates a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Uncontrolled itch can detrimentally affect quality of life and may lead to sleep disturbance, impaired concentration, financial burden, and psychological suffering. Recent strides have been made to develop guidelines and investigate new therapies to treat some of the most common severely pruritic conditions, however, a large group of diseases remains underrecognized and undertreated. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the challenges hindering the treatment of pruritus. METHODS An online search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1994 to 2024. Included studies were summarized and assessed for quality and relevance in treating pruritus. RESULTS Several barriers to treating pruritus emerged, including variable presentation, objective measurement of itch, and identifying therapeutic targets. Itch associated with autoimmune conditions, connective tissue diseases, genodermatoses, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and pruritus of unknown origin were among the etiologies with the greatest unmet needs. CONCLUSION Treating pruritus poses many challenges and there are many itchy conditions that have no yet been addressed. There is an urgent need for large-scale controlled studies to investigate potential targets for these conditions and novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Brooks
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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2
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Jerjen R, Nikpour M, Krieg T, Denton CP, Saracino AM. Systemic sclerosis in adults. Part I: Clinical features and pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 87:937-954. [PMID: 35131402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also referred to as systemic scleroderma or scleroderma, is a rare, complex immune-mediated connective tissue disease characterized by progressive skin fibrosis and other clinically heterogenous features. The etiopathogenesis of SSc involves vasculopathy and immune system dysregulation occurring on a permissive genetic and epigenetic background, ultimately leading to fibrosis. Recent developments in our understanding of disease-specific autoantibodies and bioinformatic analyses has led to a reconsideration of the purely clinical classification of diffuse and limited cutaneous SSc subgroups. Autoantibody profiles are predictive of skin and internal organ involvement and disease course. Early diagnosis of SSc, with commencement of disease-modifying treatment, has the potential to improve patient outcomes. In SSc, many of the clinical manifestations that present early signs of disease progression and activity are cutaneous, meaning dermatologists can and should play a key role in the diagnosis and management of this significant condition. The first article in this continuing medical education series discusses the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and pathogenesis of SSc in adults, with an emphasis on skin manifestations, the important role of dermatologists in recognizing these, and their correlation with systemic features and disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Jerjen
- Department of Dermatology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department Dermatology and Translational Matrix Biology, CMMC and CECAD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda M Saracino
- Department of Dermatology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Wong LS, Yen YT. Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases-Related Pruritus: Proper Diagnosis and Possible Mechanisms. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071772. [PMID: 35885674 PMCID: PMC9317505 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pruritus is a well-known bothersome symptom among skin disorders, especially inflammatory skin disorders. Lately, a high prevalence of pruritus in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs) has been revealed. Patients with ACTDs may suffer from varying degrees of pruritus, which affect their quality of life. However, it is rarely recognized both by patients and physicians. Meanwhile, pruritus is not only a symptom but is also related to the disease severity of some ACTDs. The pathophysiology of ACTD related pruritus is ambiguous. This review summarizes the features and possible mechanisms of ACTD-related pruritus, which might lead to proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai-San Wong
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Ta Yen
- Department of Dermatology, Fooying University Hospital, Pentong 928, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80420, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-8-8323146
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Meridor K, Berookhim J, Levy Y. Low dose naloxone for pruritus in systemic sclerosis: Case series and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28653. [PMID: 35089206 PMCID: PMC8797570 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Pruritus is a common symptom in patients with systemic sclerosis and has a tremendous effect on the quality of life. Nevertheless, current therapeutic options are limited. The pathogenesis of pruritus in systemic sclerosis is not completely understood; however, opiate-mediated neurotransmission has been postulated to be involved. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS We describe 4 female patients with systemic sclerosis suffering from severe pruritus, with an average 5D-itch score of 22.75. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES Low-dose oral naloxone was initiated, followed by a significant improvement in the level of pruritus, reaching an average 5D-itch score of 7.5, after 6 and 12 months of treatment. None of the patients experienced side effects. LESSONS Low-dose naloxone plays an important role in the management of pruritus in systemic sclerosis.
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5
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Abstract
Pruritus is one of the most common and bothersome symptoms of skin disorders, and its clinical characteristics and related pathomechanisms have been well described in certain dermatologic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and urticaria. Although pruritus is believed to be as common in cutaneous autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs) as in other inflammatory skin disorders, its true characteristics have not been elucidated either qualitatively or quantitatively. Pruritus is present in ACTDs with various prevalence rates, characteristics, and mechanisms depending on the disease types. Pruritus most frequently and severely affects the patients with dermatomyositis, in which itch is strongly correlated with disease activity and severity, thus increased itch could also indicate a disease flare. Patients with other ACTDs, including lupus erythematosus (LE), Sjögren syndrome (SS), morphea, and systemic sclerosis (SSc), also suffer from their fair share of pruritus. Unfortunately, the currently available treatments for ACTDs seem to have only limited and unsatisfactory effects to control pruritus. The extensive impact of pruritus on the patients’ quality of life (QOL) and functioning warrants more targeted and individualized approaches against pruritus in ACTDs. This review will address the prevalence, suggested pathogenesis based on currently available evidences, and potential treatment options of pruritus in various ACTDs of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Joo Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Gachon Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
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Mastocytosis and systemic sclerosis: a clinical association. Clin Mol Allergy 2016; 14:13. [PMID: 27752240 PMCID: PMC5059924 DOI: 10.1186/s12948-016-0050-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular alterations and autoimmune activation leading to widespread organ fibrosis. At the early stage of disease when organ involvement and extent of disease are emerging, mast cells may have some role, as implied by both symptoms and histologic evidence. CASE PRESENTATION A female patient diagnosed with cutaneous mastocytosis experienced the onset of systemic sclerosis after 15 years followed by the switch of mastocytosis to the systemic phenotype. A literature review on the evidences related to mast-cells activation in systemic sclerosis is presented below. CONCLUSIONS For clinicians, more attention must be paid to the potential association between systemic sclerosis and cancer. This case suggests that a proliferative disease in the mast cell compartment-though representing a rare association-may not be completely unexpected in SSc and perhaps excess mast cell activity can serve a pathogenic role in promoting fibrotic disease.
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Haber JS, Valdes-Rodriguez R, Yosipovitch G. Chronic Pruritus and Connective Tissue Disorders: Review, Gaps, and Future Directions. Am J Clin Dermatol 2016; 17:445-449. [PMID: 27260190 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-016-0201-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic itch is a common skin manifestation in many connective tissue diseases. However, the cause of chronic itch in these diseases is still not fully understood. The complex, and in some cases incomplete understanding of, pathogenesis in each condition makes it difficult to target specific mediators of chronic itch. It is important to better understand the pathophysiology of chronic itch in these conditions, as this information might provide a fuller understanding of the pathogenesis of the diseases in general and lead to the development of more specific treatments for connective tissue diseases in patients with chronic itch. We present a review of the literature on what is known about the prevalence, possible pathophysiology, and effect on quality of life of chronic itch in patients with scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and mixed connective tissue disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sue Haber
- Department of Dermatology and Itch Center, Lewis Katz Medical School Temple University, 3322 North Broad Street, Medical Office Building, Suite 212, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Rodrigo Valdes-Rodriguez
- Department of Dermatology and Itch Center, Lewis Katz Medical School Temple University, 3322 North Broad Street, Medical Office Building, Suite 212, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Department of Dermatology and Itch Center, Lewis Katz Medical School Temple University, 3322 North Broad Street, Medical Office Building, Suite 212, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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Racine M, Hudson M, Baron M, Nielson WR. The Impact of Pain and Itch on Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life in Systemic Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 52:43-53. [PMID: 26876159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pain and itch are common symptoms reported by patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma), which can markedly diminish function and health-related quality of life (HRQL). OBJECTIVES The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the impact that pain, itch, and the interaction of both have on function (depressive symptoms, overall disability, fatigue, sleep disturbance) and HRQL in patients with SSc. METHODS A total of 964 patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Reserch Group Registry completed questionnaires measuring itch and pain severity, function, and HRQL. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the impact that pain, itch, and pain × itch interaction have on each outcome variable while controlling for demographic measures. A P-value of ≤0.01 was required for a difference to be deemed statistically significant. RESULTS Our results revealed that patients with SSc who reported higher pain and itch severity were also more likely to have greater depressive symptoms, overall disability, sleep and fatigue problems, even when demographic measures were controlled for (P-values ≤0.001). Similar results were obtained for HRQL, regardless of the domains (P-values ≤0.001). A significant association between pain × itch interaction and sleep (P = 0.002), physical functioning (P = 0.003), and general health (P ≤ 0.001) variables also was found. Further investigation of the nature of the pain × itch interaction showed that the effect of pain severity on outcome variables diminishes as itch severity increases. CONCLUSION Both pain and itch appear to have a detrimental impact on functioning and HRQL in patients with SSc, suggesting that more targeted approaches to symptom management are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Racine
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Clinical and Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie Hudson
- Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Murray Baron
- Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Warren R Nielson
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multi-system autoimmune disease associated with disability and reduced quality of life. There is no effective treatment or cure to SSc, so it is important improve global health of these patients and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with SSc. It was made a literature review about quality of life in patients with SSc, regarding the several factors that should be considered and evaluated when attending to SSc patients. It was also considered the validated scales and questionnaires used to measure outcomes in patients with SSc. We concluded that it is important to have an interdisciplinary approach to SSc patients considering the patient's cognitive representations of the disease and what they value most like mobility and hand function, pain, fatigue, sleep, depression and body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Almeida
- Department of Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Almeida
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, Hospital de Santo António (HSA), Centro Hospitalar do Porto (CHP), Porto, Portugal; Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Investigation (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Vasconcelos
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, Hospital de Santo António (HSA), Centro Hospitalar do Porto (CHP), Porto, Portugal; Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Investigation (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
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11
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Razykov I, Levis B, Hudson M, Baron M, Thombs BD. Prevalence and clinical correlates of pruritus in patients with systemic sclerosis: an updated analysis of 959 patients. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2013; 52:2056-61. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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12
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Frech T, De Domenico I, Murtaugh MA, Revelo MP, Li DY, Sawitzke AD, Drakos S. Autophagy is a key feature in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int 2013; 34:435-9. [PMID: 23934520 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-013-2827-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autophagosomes are formed during autophagy, which is activated by hypoxia and starvation. Autophagy is important for mast cell degranulation. We hypothesized that autophagy is a key feature in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We examined SSc clinical features and mast cell density across the presence and severity of autophagy. Skin punch biopsy was performed on 33 SSc patients and 6 healthy controls (HC). Autophagy was evaluated by immunofluorescence on paraffin sections using LC3-FITC staining on these patients. The intensity of staining and mast cell density was examined across clinical features in 19 of the SSc patients. Presence of autophagosome formation was assessed by EM in 17 of the SSc patients and 4 HC. In our SSc study population, 29 of subjects were female and 23 were limited cutaneous. Twenty-nine of 33 SSc patients had autophagy by LC3-FITC staining. Intensity of staining decreased with longer duration of SSc (p = 0.09) and RP (p = 0.10). Bloating and distention differed across level of intensity staining (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.05), with the greatest levels among those with moderate intensity. On EM, autophagosome formation was present in 16 of 17 SSc patients and no HC. All SSc patients had perivascular mast cells. Autophagy was present in 29 of 33 SSc patients, and none of our HC suggesting importance in pathogenesis. Autophagy staining was greater among those with shorter duration of SSc. Bloating and distention were higher in patients with moderate autophagy staining. Perivascular mast cells were present in all SSc patients. The role of autophagy in vasculopathy and mast cell activation in SSc warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Frech
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, 4B200 SOM, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA,
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Milette K, Hudson M, Korner A, Baron M, Thombs BD. Sleep disturbances in systemic sclerosis: evidence for the role of gastrointestinal symptoms, pain and pruritus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2013; 52:1715-20. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Sexual activity and impairment in women with systemic sclerosis compared to women from a general population sample. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52129. [PMID: 23251692 PMCID: PMC3522627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Reports of low sexual activity rates and high impairment rates among women with chronic diseases have not included comparisons to general population data. The objective of this study was to compare sexual activity and impairment rates of women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) to general population data and to identify domains of sexual function driving impairment in SSc. Methods Canadian women with SSc were compared to women from a UK population sample. Sexual activity and, among sexually active women, sexual impairment were evaluated with a 9-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results Among women with SSc (mean age = 57.0 years), 296 of 730 (41%) were sexually active, 181 (61%) of whom were sexually impaired, resulting in 115 of 730 (16%) who were sexually active without impairment. In the UK population sample (mean age = 55.4 years), 956 of 1,498 women (64%) were sexually active, 420 (44%) of whom were impaired, with 536 of 1,498 (36%) sexually active without impairment. Adjusting for age and marital status, women with SSc were significantly less likely to be sexually active (OR = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.28–0.42) and, among sexually active women, significantly more likely to be sexually impaired (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.42–2.49) than general population women. Controlling for total FSFI scores, women with SSc had significantly worse lubrication and pain scores than general population women. Conclusions Sexual functioning is a problem for many women with scleroderma and is associated with pain and poor lubrication. Evidence-based interventions to support sexual activity and function in women with SSc are needed.
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Newton EG, Thombs BD, Groleau D. The experience of emotional distress among women with scleroderma. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2012; 22:1195-1206. [PMID: 22875832 DOI: 10.1177/1049732312449207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Emotional distress is common among patients with chronic medical illnesses, but the nature of the distress is not well understood. Our objective was to understand patients' experiences of emotional distress by conducting in-depth interviews using the McGill Illness Narrative Interview with women affected by scleroderma (N = 16). We sought to determine how participants described their distress, what they believed caused it, and how they coped. We analyzed interview transcripts using thematic analysis. Many participants described distress associated with scleroderma, but the term depression was reserved for extraordinary, severe experiences. Instead, participants preferred more normal mood descriptors and often viewed their distress in keeping with the definition of "demoralization." Participants listed concrete symptoms and experiences that caused distress, and some added that stress could exacerbate scleroderma. Participants dealt with distress by not dwelling on their circumstances and working to maintain autonomy. Most preferred to not rely on psychologists and support groups.
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Levis B, Hudson M, Knafo R, Baron M, Nielson WR, Hill M, Thombs BD. Rates and correlates of sexual activity and impairment among women with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2012; 64:340-50. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.20696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Low-dose naltrexone for pruritus in systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheumatol 2011; 2011:804296. [PMID: 21918649 PMCID: PMC3171757 DOI: 10.1155/2011/804296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pruritus is a common symptom in systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease which causes fibrosis and vasculopathy in skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Unfortunately, pruritus has limited treatment options in this disease. Pilot trials of low-dose naltrexone hydrochloride (LDN) for pruritus, pain, and quality of life (QOL) in other GIT diseases have been successful. In this case series we report three patients that had significant improvement in pruritus and total GIT symptoms as measured by the 10-point faces scale and the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) questionnaire. This small case series suggests LDN may be an effective, highly tolerable, and inexpensive treatment for pruritus and GIT symptoms in SSc.
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Milette K, Razykov I, Pope J, Hudson M, Motivala SJ, Baron M, Thombs BD. Clinical correlates of sleep problems in systemic sclerosis: the prominent role of pain. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 50:921-5. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bassel M, Hudson M, Taillefer SS, Schieir O, Baron M, Thombs BD. Frequency and impact of symptoms experienced by patients with systemic sclerosis: results from a Canadian National Survey. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 50:762-7. [PMID: 21149249 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Knowledge about the range of symptoms experienced by patients with SSc, and their impact on daily functioning is limited. The objective of the present study was to identify symptoms of SSc that patients rated as frequent and that highly impacted their ability to carry out daily activities. METHODS A total of 464 persons with SSc responded to the Canadian Scleroderma Patient Survey of Health Concerns and Research Priorities, including questions regarding the frequency and impact of 69 SSc symptoms. Descriptive analyses were performed dichotomizing symptom frequencies as never or rarely vs sometimes, most of the time or always and symptom impact on daily activities as no or minimal impact vs moderate to severe impact. RESULTS The five highest rated symptoms in terms of frequency and moderate to severe impact on daily activities, respectively, were: fatigue (89 and 72%), RP (86 and 67%), hand stiffness (81 and 59%), joint pain (81 and 64%) and difficulty sleeping (76 and 59%). In addition to these symptoms, items related to decreased hand function (difficulty making a fist and difficulty holding objects) and pain (muscle pain and joint tenderness) were frequently endorsed and commonly associated with moderate to severe impact on daily activities. CONCLUSION This study confirmed the importance for quality of life of core symptoms of SSc, such as pain, fatigue and limitations in hand function. It also identified areas with very little research, such as sleep problems, that appear to play important roles in daily functioning, and that merit more focused study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Bassel
- Jewish General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E4, Canada
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22
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Galluccio F, Walker UA, Nihtyanova S, Moinzadeh P, Hunzelmann N, Krieg T, Steen V, Baron M, Sampaio-Barros P, Kayser C, Nash P, Denton CP, Tyndall A, Muller-Ladner U, Matucci-Cerinic M. Registries in systemic sclerosis: a worldwide experience. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 50:60-8. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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El-Baalbaki G, Razykov I, Hudson M, Bassel M, Baron M, Thombs BD. Association of pruritus with quality of life and disability in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2010; 62:1489-95. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.20257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Thombs BD, van Lankveld W, Bassel M, Baron M, Buzza R, Haslam S, Haythornthwaite JA, Hudson M, Jewett LR, Knafo R, Kwakkenbos L, Malcarne VL, Milette K, Motivala SJ, Newton EG, Nielson WR, Pacy M, Razykov I, Schieir O, Taillefer S, Worron-Sauve M. Psychological health and well-being in systemic sclerosis: State of the science and consensus research agenda. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2010; 62:1181-9. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.20187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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