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Cameron S, Donnelly A, Broderick C, Arichi T, Bartsch U, Dazzan P, Elberling J, Godfrey E, Gringras P, Heathcote LC, Joseph D, Wood TC, Pariante C, Rubia K, Flohr C. Mind and skin: Exploring the links between inflammation, sleep disturbance and neurocognitive function in patients with atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2024; 79:26-36. [PMID: 37469218 DOI: 10.1111/all.15818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic and inflammatory, dry skin condition with many known comorbidities. These include airway disease, food allergies, atopic eye disease and autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, there is often significant sleep disturbance as well as increased psychological distress and mental health problems. Severe AD therefore often has a significant impact on the quality of life of both patients and their families. In this review we discuss recent findings on the putative links between AD, its association with itch, sleep disturbance and neuropsychiatric morbidity, including the role of inflammation in these conditions. Itch was thought to predominantly drive sleep disruption in AD. We now understand changes in sleep influence immune cell distribution and the associated inflammatory cytokines, which suggests a bidirectional relationship between AD and sleep. We also increasingly recognize inflammation as a key driver in psychological symptoms and disorders. The link between cutaneous, systemic and possible brain inflammation could at least in part be driven by the sleep deprivation and itch-driven neuronal proliferation seen in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Cameron
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ali Donnelly
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Conor Broderick
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tomoki Arichi
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ullrich Bartsch
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Care Research & Technology Centre, Imperial College London and University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jesper Elberling
- Depart of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emma Godfrey
- Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Gringras
- Paediatric Sleep Department, Evelina Children's Hospital, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lauren C Heathcote
- Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Desaline Joseph
- Paediatric Sleep Department, Evelina Children's Hospital, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tobias C Wood
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine Pariante
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Care Research & Technology Centre, Imperial College London and University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Katya Rubia
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Care Research & Technology Centre, Imperial College London and University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Carsten Flohr
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Pan M, Wang G, Zhou L, Xu Y, Yao L, Wu C, Mei C, Zhao Z, Sun D, Guan T, Chen Q, Shi M, Xu H, Zeng W, Li F, Yan R, Liu BC. Safety and effectiveness of HSK21542 for hemodialysis patients: a multiple ascending dose study. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1203642. [PMID: 37876731 PMCID: PMC10590914 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1203642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: HSK21542, a novel selective peripherally-restricted κ-opioid receptor agonist has been proven to be a safe and effective analgesic and antipruritic drug in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We aimed to evaluate its safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy in hemodialysis patients over a 1-week treatment period, and to establish the optimal dosage for a further 12-week stage 2 trial. Methods: In this multiple ascending dose study, hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to receive HSK21542 (0.05-0.80 μg/kg), or a placebo three times within 2.5 h at the end of each dialysis session for 1 week. Safety evaluations included reports of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs); pharmacokinetics and efficacy outcomes were also assessed. Results: Among the 44 screened patients, 41 were enrolled and completed the trial. The overall incidence of TEAEs was higher in the HSK21542 group compared to the placebo group, with an incidence of 75.0%, 50.0%, 75.0%, and 88.9% in the range of 0.05-0.80 μg/kg. All TEAEs were grade 1 or 2 in severity. HSK21542 exhibited linear pharmacokinetics characteristics within the dose range 0.05-0.80 μg/kg, without drug accumulation after multiple-doses. Compared to the placebo, a significant decrease of the weekly mean Worst Itching Intensity Numerical Rating Scale was found in the HSK21542-0.30 μg/kg group (p = 0.046), but without significant improvement in the Skindex-16 score. Conclusion: HSK21542 was well tolerated in the dose range 0.05-0.80 μg/kg in hemodialysis patients. HSK21542-0.3 μg/kg exhibited promising efficacy in patients with moderate to severe pruritus and warrants a further Stage 2 trial. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04470154.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Pan
- Department of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Guihua Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chaoqing Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Changlin Mei
- Division of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanzheng Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tianjun Guan
- Division of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qinkai Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weifang Zeng
- Sichuan Haisco Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Fangqiong Li
- Sichuan Haisco Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bi-Cheng Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Krefting F, Hölsken S, Benson S, Schedlowski M, Sondermann W. How familiar are German dermatologists with placebo and nocebo effects and to what extent are these targeted in clinical practice: A survey within the dermatological community. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:2133-2141. [PMID: 37322597 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every medical treatment inevitably comprises not only physiological, but also psychological components, reflected by placebo and nocebo effects, which significantly affect treatment outcome. However, the extent of knowledge on the mechanisms steering placebo and nocebo effects in the dermatological community in Germany is currently unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the state of knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects in the German dermatological community, to evaluate whether this knowledge is already being used in clinical practice, and to investigate whether German dermatologists are interested in learning more about the topic. METHODS German Dermatologists, the majority working in their own practice, were asked to fill in an online survey addressing the knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects and the feasibility of special techniques to enhance placebo and minimize nocebo effects within the clinical routine. RESULTS N = 154 complete (79%) or partial (21%) responses to the survey were recorded in the online database and included in the analysis. All participants reported to know what the placebo effect is and 59.7% (74/124) indicated that they already had experience with prescribing or recommending a treatment without active substances. In contrast, only 62.0% (80/129) stated to know what the nocebo effect is. Participants showed a rather superficial knowledge regarding placebo and nocebo mechanisms. The majority of participants (76.7%, 99/129) expressed their willingness to be further educated about the underlying mechanisms mediating placebo and nocebo effects and the possible application in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS The current survey offers a so far unique insight into the state of knowledge of German dermatologists on placebo and nocebo effects. The results indicate a need for education about this topic. Encouragingly, however, German dermatologists considered communication strategies to maximize placebo and reduce nocebo effects and expressed motivation to be trained to implement these strategies in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Krefting
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hölsken
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Benson
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wiebke Sondermann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Rousel J, Saghari M, Pagan L, Nădăban A, Gambrah T, Theelen B, de Kam ML, Haakman J, van der Wall HEC, Feiss GL, Niemeyer-van der Kolk T, Burggraaf J, Bouwstra JA, Rissmann R, van Doorn MBA. Treatment with the Topical Antimicrobial Peptide Omiganan in Mild-to-Moderate Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis versus Ketoconazole and Placebo: Results of a Randomized Controlled Proof-of-Concept Trial. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14315. [PMID: 37762625 PMCID: PMC10531869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Facial seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous and scaly lesions on the skin with high sebaceous gland activity. The yeast Malassezia is regarded as a key pathogenic driver in this disease, but increased Staphylococcus abundances and barrier dysfunction are implicated as well. Here, we evaluated the antimicrobial peptide omiganan as a treatment for SD since it has shown both antifungal and antibacterial activity. A randomized, patient- and evaluator-blinded trial was performed comparing the four-week, twice daily topical administration of omiganan 1.75%, the comparator ketoconazole 2.00%, and placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate facial SD. Safety was monitored, and efficacy was determined by clinical scoring complemented with imaging. Microbial profiling was performed, and barrier integrity was assessed by trans-epidermal water loss and ceramide lipidomics. Omiganan was safe and well tolerated but did not result in a significant clinical improvement of SD, nor did it affect other biomarkers, compared to the placebo. Ketoconazole significantly reduced the disease severity compared to the placebo, with reduced Malassezia abundances, increased microbial diversity, restored skin barrier function, and decreased short-chain ceramide Cer[NSc34]. No significant decreases in Staphylococcus abundances were observed compared to the placebo. Omiganan is well tolerated but not efficacious in the treatment of facial SD. Previously established antimicrobial and antifungal properties of omiganan could not be demonstrated. Our multimodal characterization of the response to ketoconazole has reaffirmed previous insights into its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Rousel
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mahdi Saghari
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Pagan
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andreea Nădăban
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Gambrah
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Theelen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jorine Haakman
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Jacobus Burggraaf
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke A. Bouwstra
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Rissmann
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn B. A. van Doorn
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Buergler S, Sezer D, Gaab J, Locher C. The roles of expectation, comparator, administration route, and population in open-label placebo effects: a network meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11827. [PMID: 37481686 PMCID: PMC10363169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Three meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical potential of open-label placebos (OLPs). However, there is a need to synthesize the existing evidence through more complex analyses that would make it possible to answer questions beyond mere efficacy. Such analyses would serve to improve the understanding of why and under what circumstances OLPs work (e.g., depending on induced expectations or across different control groups). To answer these questions, we conducted the first network meta-analyses in the field of OLPs. Our analyses revealed that OLPs could be beneficial in comparison to no treatment in nonclinical (12 trials; 1015 participants) and clinical populations (25 trials; 2006 participants). Positive treatment expectations were found to be important for OLPs to work. Also, OLP effects can vary depending on the comparator used. While the kind of administration route had no substantial impact on the OLP effects, effects were found to be larger in clinical populations than in nonclinical populations. These results suggest that the expectation, comparator, administration route, and population should be considered when designing and interpreting OLP studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buergler
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Dilan Sezer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaab
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cosima Locher
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Blythe JS, Thomaidou MA, Peerdeman KJ, van Laarhoven AI, van Schothorst MM, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AW. Placebo effects on cutaneous pain and itch: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental results and methodology. Pain 2023; 164:1181-1199. [PMID: 36718994 PMCID: PMC10184563 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Placebo effects, positive treatment outcomes that go beyond treatment processes, can alter sensations through learning mechanisms. Understanding how methodological factors contribute to the magnitude of placebo effects will help define the mechanisms by which these effects occur. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental placebo studies in cutaneous pain and itch in healthy samples, focused on how differences in methodology contribute to the resulting placebo effect magnitude. We conducted meta-analyses by learning mechanism and sensation, namely, for classical conditioning with verbal suggestion, verbal suggestion alone, and observational learning, separately for pain and itch. We conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression on the type of sensory stimuli, placebo treatment, number of acquisition and evocation trials, differences in calibrated intensities for placebo and control stimuli during acquisition, age, and sex. We replicated findings showing that a combination of classical conditioning with verbal suggestion induced larger placebo effects on pain ( k = 68, g = 0 . 59) than verbal suggestion alone ( k = 39, g = 0.38) and found a smaller effect for itch with verbal suggestion alone ( k = 7, g = 0.14). Using sham electrodes as placebo treatments corresponded with larger placebo effects on pain than when topical gels were used. Other methodological and demographic factors did not significantly affect placebo magnitudes. Placebo effects on pain and itch reliably occur in experimental settings with varied methods, and conditioning with verbal suggestion produced the strongest effects. Although methods may shape the placebo effect to some extent, these effects appear robust overall, and their underlying learning mechanisms may be harnessed for applications outside the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S. Blythe
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mia A. Thomaidou
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kaya J. Peerdeman
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antoinette I.M. van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Dieuwke S. Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea W.M. Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Medical Delta Healthy Society, Leiden University, Technical University Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Pharmacological Therapy of Pruritus in Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 57:143-152. [PMID: 36598806 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
GOALS We aim to summarize the current management of pruritus in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) by evaluating the efficacy and safety of pharmacological therapies. BACKGROUND Pruritus is a common symptom of PBC, and evidence regarding the most effective antipruritic agents available is lacking. New pharmacotherapy for PBC has shown promising antipruritic effects. STUDY We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis including all available double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for the symptomatic management of pruritus in PBC. Pruritus was assessed as either a change from baseline or a postintervention score. RESULTS We included 33 studies and 20 medications. Using the visual analog scale, cholestyramine did not significantly improve pruritus compared with placebo [standardized mean differences (SMD): -0.94, 95% CI: -2.05 to 0.17], whereas rifampin and nalfurafine hydrochloride both significantly improved pruritus (SMD: -3.29, 95% CI: -5.78 to -0.80; n=23 and SMD: -0.58, 95% CI: -1.04 to -0.12). In addition, Bezafibrate and linerixibat significantly improved pruritus (SMD: -1.05, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.68; n=110 and SMD: -0.31, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.04, respectively). This effect was also present within the subgroup analysis by pruritus scale, where both bezafibrate and linerixibat significantly improved pruritus compared with placebo (SMD: -1.09, 95% CI: -1.54 to -0.65; P <0.001; visual analog scale; as postintervention score and SMD: -0.31, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.01; P =0.04; numeric rating scale; as a change from baseline score, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Bezafibrate and Linerixibat are potential second-line antipruritic medications for PBC, particularly those with moderate to severe pruritus.
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Rodriguez-Le Roy Y, Ficheux AS, Misery L, Brenaut E. Efficacy of topical and systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis on pruritus: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1079323. [PMID: 36619624 PMCID: PMC9814490 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1079323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pruritus is a major and burdensome symptom in atopic dermatitis (AD). The number of systemic treatments available for AD has increased recently, enabling improved patient relief. Objective To evaluate the effect of AD treatments on pruritus. Methods A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of treatment used in AD on pruritus. PubMed and Embase databases were searched to find articles published between January 1990 and December 2021. Topical and systemic treatments were studied in patients aged ≥10 years. Results Among the 448 articles identified, 56 studies were retained in the systematic review. A total of 15 studies evaluated topical treatments: topical corticosteroids (TCS; 2), calcineurin inhibitors (6), PDE4 inhibitors (3), and Jak inhibitors (4). A total of five studies were included in the meta- analysis. All treatments had a positive effect on pruritus, with a mean overall reduction of 3.32/10, 95% IC [2.32-4.33]. The greatest reduction was observed with halometasone (mean: 4.75), followed by tofacitinib 2% (mean: 4.38). A total of 41 studies evaluated systemic therapies: cyclosporine (6), phototherapy (5), azathioprine (2), dupilumab (9), anti-IL 13 (5), nemolizumab (3), Jak inhibitors (9), mepolizumab (1), and apremilast (1). A total of 17 studies were included in 2 meta-analyses according to the concomitant use or not of TCS. In the meta-analysis without TCS, the overall decrease was 3.07/10, 95% IC [2.58-3.56]. The molecules with the highest efficacy on pruritus were upadacitinib 30 mg (mean: 4.90) and nemolizumab (mean: 4.81). Discussion The therapeutic arsenal for AD has increased rapidly, and many molecules are under development. The primary endpoint of clinical trials is most often a score that assesses the severity of AD; however, the assessment of pruritus is also essential. The majority of molecules have a positive effect on pruritus, but the improvement varies between them. Efficacy on pruritus is not always correlated with efficacy on AD lesions; therefore, these two criteria are crucial to evaluate. The limitations of this study were the heterogeneity in the assessment of pruritus, the moment of the assessment, and the concomitant application of TCS or not for studies evaluating systemics. In the future, it would be useful to use standardized criteria for assessing pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurent Misery
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France,Université de Bretagne Occidentale, LIEN, Brest, France
| | - Emilie Brenaut
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France,Université de Bretagne Occidentale, LIEN, Brest, France,*Correspondence: Emilie Brenaut,
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9
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Meeuwis SH, Skvortsova A, van Laarhoven AIM, Holle H, Evers AWM. Can contagious itch be affected by positive and negative suggestions? Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1853-1862. [PMID: 36048562 PMCID: PMC10087404 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Contagious itch can be evoked by observing people scratching. Verbal suggestions about to-be-received itch can influence itch intensity, as shown by placebo research, but it is unknown whether this extends to contagious itch. The current study aimed to replicate prior findings that listening to scratching and rubbing sounds elicits contagious itch, and to investigate whether suggestions can modulate this process. Healthy participants (n = 140) received positive or negative suggestions about itch in response to the sounds (aimed to decrease or increase expected itch, respectively), or no specific suggestions as a control. Participants listened to a number of audio fragments with scratching and rubbing sounds. The amount of expected itch as well as itch sensation after each audio fragment were measured by self-report. Suggestions had no effect on the expected itch. Both rubbing and scratching sounds significantly elicited itch in all groups. Scratching sounds induced more itch than rubbing sounds exclusively in the control group. These findings indicate that short suggestions might be not effective enough to modify the expectations of people regarding contagious itch. Furthermore, suggestions modulate contagious itch to some degree, but not in the hypothesized direction. Potential similarities and differences in the neurobiological mechanisms of contagious itch and nocebo effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandrina Skvortsova
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoinette I M van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henning Holle
- Department of Psychology, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Medical Delta Healthy Society, Leiden University, Technical University Delft & Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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10
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Pardo-Cabello AJ, Manzano-Gamero V, Puche-Cañas E. Placebo: a brief updated review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:1343-1356. [PMID: 35943515 PMCID: PMC9361274 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02280-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Our aims were to provide updated information on placebo/nocebo effect and the potential use of placebo in clinical practice. This article can only provide a rough overview on the placebo and nocebo effect and is intended to serve as a starting point for the reader to go deeper into the corresponding literature. The placebo effect has been observed in multiple medical conditions, after oral administration, with manual therapies as well as with surgery and invasive procedures. The use of placebo in clinical trials is fundamental, although the ethics of its use is under discussion. The placebo may behave like a drug from the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic point of view and can also be associated with adverse events (nocebo effect). Placebo can modify treatment by increasing or decreasing the effects of drugs. The factors associated with the occurrence of placebo effect are multiple, but in addition to those that depend on the placebo itself, the doctor-patient relationship would be the most important. As a result of findings that were published in the last two decades, the psycho-neurobiological basis of placebo is becoming better understood, although further studies are needed. In conclusion, the placebo effect in the clinic exhibits weak to moderate intensity. Placebo, in addition to its use in the clinical trial, should be considered another therapeutic remedy either as stand alone or in association with treatment, and could be useful in certain circumstances. The use of placebo should be regulated by the European health authorities through a guide in clinical practice that will improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Jose Pardo-Cabello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Avda. de La Innovación, s/n, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Victoria Manzano-Gamero
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Emilio Puche-Cañas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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11
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Schut C, Zeidler C, Schneider G. [Relevance of demographic and psychological factors in pruritus]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 73:620-624. [PMID: 35925238 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-05016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pruritus is a frequent phenomenon in patients in dermatology. The severity of pruritus often cannot be explained by the severity of the underlying disease or chronification processes alone. Especially then, demographic and psychological variables should also be considered as moderators of the intensity of pruritus. PURPOSE Are there associations between sex, age, emotional and cognitive factors and pruritus intensity in patients with chronic pruritus (CP) and skin-healthy control subjects? MATERIAL AND METHODS Recently published studies on the abovenamed moderators of pruritus were searched for in PubMed, collated and the results are summarized. RESULTS It was found that women reported a higher intensity of pruritus than men. In addition, negative emotions such as fear, disgust, and anger are positively associated with pruritus in patients with CP. There are also associations between cognitive factors, such as attention, catastrophizing, and pruritus. CONCLUSION The associations between both demographic and psychological factors and pruritus should be considered in the diagnostics and treatment of pruritus. A psychological intervention as a complementary treatment should be considered whenever patients report associations between psychological experiences and pruritus and/or automatic or extensive scratching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schut
- Institut für Med. Psychologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Klinikstr. 29, 35392, Gießen, Deutschland.
| | - Claudia Zeidler
- Kompetenzzentrum chronischer Pruritus, Klinik für Hautkrankheiten, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48159, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Gudrun Schneider
- Sektion für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinik für Psychische Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 (Geb. A9), 48149, Münster, Deutschland
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12
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Shneider BL, Kamath BM, Magee JC, Goodrich NP, Loomes KM, Ye W, Spino C, Alonso EM, Molleston JP, Bezerra JA, Wang KS, Karpen SJ, Horslen SP, Guthery SL, Rosenthal P, Squires RH, Sokol RJ. Use of funded multicenter prospective longitudinal databases to inform clinical trials in rare diseases-Examination of cholestatic liver disease in Alagille syndrome. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1910-1921. [PMID: 35506349 PMCID: PMC9315119 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The conduct of long-term conventional randomized clinical trials in rare diseases is very difficult, making evidenced-based drug development problematic. As a result, real-world data/evidence are being used more frequently to assess new therapeutic approaches in orphan diseases. In this investigation, inclusion and exclusion criteria from a published trial of maralixibat in Alagille syndrome (ALGS, ITCH NCT02057692) were applied to a prospective longitudinal cohort of children with cholestasis (LOGIC NCT00571272) to derive contextual comparator data for evolving clinical trials of intestinal bile acid transport inhibitors in ALGS. A natural history/clinical care cohort of 59 participants who met adapted inclusion and exclusion criteria of ITCH was identified from 252 LOGIC participants with ALGS with their native liver. Frequency weighting was used to match the age distribution of ITCH and yielded a cohort (Alagille Syndrome Natural History [ALGS NH]) that was very similar to the baseline status of ITCH participants. During a 2-year prospective follow-up there was a significant reduction in pruritus in the weighted ALGS NH cohort as assessed by the clinician scratch score (-1.43 [0.28] -1.99, -0.87; mean [SEM] 95% confidence interval). During the same time period, the total bilirubin, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase levels were unchanged, whereas platelet count dropped significantly (-65.2 [16.2] -98.3, -32.1). Weighted survival with native liver was 91% at 2 years in the ALGS NH. These investigations provide valuable real-world data that can serve as contextual comparators to current clinical trials, especially those without control populations, and highlight the value and importance of funded multicenter, prospective, natural history studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kathleen M. Loomes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionThe Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Department of PediatricsPerelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Wen Ye
- University of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | | | - Estella M. Alonso
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of ChicagoNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Jean P. Molleston
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionDepartment of PediatricsRiley Hospital for Children, Indiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | | | | | - Saul J. Karpen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionDepartment of PediatricsChildren’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Simon P. Horslen
- Department of PediatricsSeattle Children’s HospitalUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
| | - Stephen L. Guthery
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of Utah, and Intermountain Primary Children’s HospitalSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Philip Rosenthal
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Robert H. Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ronald J. Sokol
- Department of Pediatrics‐Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital ColoradoAuroraColoradoUSA
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13
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Schneider G, Ständer S, Kahnert S, Pereira MP, Mess C, Huck V, Agelopoulos K, Frank G, Schneider SW. Biological and psychosocial factors associated with the persistence of pruritus symptoms: protocol for a prospective, exploratory observational study in Germany (individual project of the Interdisciplinary SOMACROSS Research Unit [RU 5211]). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060811. [PMID: 35798519 PMCID: PMC9263938 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pruritus (CP) is a symptom of dermatologic, neurologic, systemic and psychosomatic diseases. CP has a prevalence of ~20% in the general population and is therefore a significant burden on society, but the transition from acute pruritus to CP is not well understood. It probably involves interactions between biological and psychosocial factors and pruritus-specific risk factors as well as mechanisms shared with other persistent somatic symptoms addressed in other projects of the SOMACROSS Research Unit (RU). Here we aim to identify psychosocial and biological factors and their interactions which might be associated with the persistence of CP with and without immunologic/inflammatory origin, that is, atopic dermatitis and pruritus on non-inflamed skin. We expect that psychosocial factors relevant to the persistence of symptoms such as fatigue and pain may also show associations to CP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this prospective, exploratory observational study situated in Germany, three cohorts of 40 patients each with acute exacerbation of atopic dermatitis and chronic atopic dermatitis and 40 CP patients with unaffected skin will be recruited for a comprehensive translational investigation including pruritus-specific and the shared psychosocial assessments of the RU SOMACROSS. Pruritus-specific measures will include questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing, cutaneous nerve fibre morphology, skin barrier morphology, epidermal metabolism and pruritogen blood levels. Within 1 year, patients and 80 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls will be examined at three time points, allowing cross-sectional comparison and a longitudinal investigation of predictive outcome factors in patients under treatment according to existing guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the ethics committees of Hamburg (2020-10200-BO-ff) and Münster (2020-676 f-S), Germany. All participants are required to provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences and involvement of relevant stakeholders, patients and the lay public. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00026646.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Schneider
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Munster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Competence Center Chronic Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Munster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Stefan Kahnert
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Munster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Manuel Pedro Pereira
- Competence Center Chronic Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Munster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Christian Mess
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Huck
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Konstantin Agelopoulos
- Competence Center Chronic Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Munster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Gina Frank
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Munster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Stefan W Schneider
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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14
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Dervout C, Boulais N, Barnetche T, Nousbaum JB, Brenaut E, Misery L. Efficacy of Treatments for Cholestatic Pruritus: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Derm Venereol 2022; 102:adv00653. [PMID: 35088869 PMCID: PMC9609979 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v102.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic itch is a disabling symptom that may be secondary to liver or biliary diseases. Management of cholestatic pruritus is complex. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of treatments for cholestatic pruritus were performed. PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched using the algorithm “(hepatitis OR cholestatic OR liver) AND (pruritus OR itch) AND (management OR treatment OR treatments)” for 1975–2019. Of the 2,264 articles identified, 93 were included in a systematic review and 15 in a meta-analysis (studies evaluating pruritus with a visual analogue scale). Some treatments act by reducing levels of pruritogens in the enterohepatic cycle, others modify the metabolism or secretion of these pruritogens, or act on pruritus pathways. A further possible treatment is albumin dialysis. However, due to many heterogeneities in the reviewed studies it is difficult to identify and recommend an optimum treatment. Only 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis, due to the small number of randomized studies using a visual analogue scale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Emilie Brenaut
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, FR-29609 Brest, France.
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15
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Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AWM. Associations Between Interindividual Differences, Expectations and Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Itch. Front Psychol 2021; 12:781521. [PMID: 34966334 PMCID: PMC8711701 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.781521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Placebo and nocebo effects are positive and negative health outcomes that can be elicited by the psychosocial context. They can be mediated by expectations, and may emerge in somatic symptoms even when people are aware of these effects. Interindividual differences (e.g., in personality, affective states) could impact placebo and nocebo responding, but findings are inconsistent. Methods: The current work examined expectation as a mediator of the association between verbal placebo and nocebo suggestions (VSs) and histamine-induced itch across three experimental studies. Moreover, we examined whether interindividual differences (e.g., in optimism, neuroticism, behavioral activation system (BAS), body ignorance) modulated: (1) the direct association between VSs and itch (direct moderation), and (2) the indirect, expectation-mediated association between VSs and itch (moderated mediation). Positive VSs were compared to neutral instructions (Study 1; n = 92) or negative VSs (Studies 2+3; n = 203) in an open-label (i.e., explaining placebo and nocebo effects) or closed-label (concealed) context using PROCESS. First, mediation of VSs effects on itch by expectations was tested. Next, moderation by individual traits was explored using conditional process analyses. Results: The effects of VSs on itch were significantly mediated by expectation in Study 1 and in the open-label (but not closed-label) contexts of Studies 2 and 3. Ignorance of bodily signals marginally moderated the direct effects of VSs on itch when closed-label suggestions were given: at low levels of body ignorance, effects of positive and negative VSs were stronger. Moreover, moderated mediation was observed in the open-label groups of Studies 2 and 3: The expectation-mediated effects of VSs on itch were stronger when BAS drive was lower. Conclusion: Overall, the effects of VSs on itch were mediated by expectations in the open-label, but not the closed-label context. Moreover, the current work suggests that placebo and nocebo effects may be moderated by ignorance of bodily signals and the BAS. There was limited evidence that other interindividual differences modulated placebo and nocebo responding in itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Medical Delta Healthy Society, Leiden University, Technical University Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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16
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Krefting F, Hölsken S, Schedlowski M, Sondermann W. [The effect of treatment expectations on pruritus and skin pain]. Schmerz 2021; 36:189-195. [PMID: 34705119 PMCID: PMC9156458 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-021-00600-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Patientenerwartungen in Bezug auf den Nutzen einer medizinischen Behandlung stellen eine wichtige Determinante für die Placeboantwort dar. Sie können Entwicklung und Verlauf von Erkrankungen sowie Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit von Therapien maßgeblich beeinflussen. Die Mechanismen, die diese Placebo- und Noceboeffekte vermitteln, wurden bislang am besten auf dem Gebiet der Placeboanalgesie beschrieben. Aber auch in der Dermatologie findet sich eine zunehmende Evidenz dafür, dass verschiedene Symptome wie Schmerzen an der Haut und Pruritus (Jucken) sowie verschiedene dermatologische Erkrankungen durch die Behandlungserwartungen von Patienten moduliert werden können. Ziel der Arbeit Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Darstellung der aktuellen Datenlage in Bezug auf den Einfluss von Erwartungseffekten auf dermatologische Symptome wie Pruritus und Hautschmerzen sowie auf verschiedene dermatologische Erkrankungen. Schließlich soll die Bedeutung dieses Themas für Ärzte, die Patienten mit Hautsymptomen behandeln, vermittelt werden. Material und Methoden Es handelt sich um eine narrative Übersichtsarbeit. Ergebnisse und Diskussion Eine zunehmende Anzahl von Studien an gesunden Probanden und dermatologischen Patienten zeigt, dass Hautsymptome wie Pruritus und Schmerzen durch die Induktion positiver Erwartungen verringert und durch die Induktion negativer Erwartungen verstärkt werden können. Vorherige Behandlungserfahrungen der Patienten sowie die Qualität und Quantität der Arzt-Patienten-Kommunikation spielen für die Induktion der Behandlungserwartung eine zentrale Rolle. Schlussfolgerung Techniken, die darauf abzielen, positive Erwartungseffekte von Patienten mit Hautsymptomen zu maximieren und negative zu minimieren, sollten in die klinische Routine implementiert werden.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Krefting
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland
| | - S Hölsken
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie und Verhaltensimmunbiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland
| | - M Schedlowski
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie und Verhaltensimmunbiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Schweden
| | - W Sondermann
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
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17
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Tan XL, Thomas BR, Tan YJ, O'Toole EA. Effects of systemic therapies on pruritus in adults with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 47:658-666. [PMID: 34643956 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pruritus is a hallmark of atopic dermatitis (AD), affecting disease severity and patients' quality of life. In AD uncontrolled with first-line topical therapies or in moderate-to-severe AD, systemic therapies are used, however, there are paucity of head-to-head trials comparing their effectiveness. The aim was to compare the effectiveness between the systemic therapies on relieving pruritus in moderate-to-severe AD in adults through meta-analysis. PubMed, EMBASE, Medline and CINAHL databases were searched from inception up to 31 May 2020 for placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of systemic therapies on pruritus with moderate-to-severe AD in adults aged ≥ 16. 26 studies were identified (n = 5,190 participants). There was a large reduction in pruritus compared to placebo (standard mean difference [95% confidence interval]) with dupilumab every 2 weeks (q2w) (-0.88 [-1.13, -0.63]), q2w + topical corticosteroids (-0.77 [-0.91, -0.62]); dupilumab once weekly (qw) (-0.99 [-1.29, -0.68]), qw + topical corticosteroids (-0.70 [-0.81, -0.59]); a large reduction with ciclosporin (-1.30 [-2.34, -0.26]); a small reduction with mepolizumab (-0.27 [-0.89, 0.35]), interferon gamma (-0.31 [-0.75, 0.12]); a large reduction with azathioprine (-0.85 [-2.07, 0.35]). Amongst investigational drugs, nemolizumab 2.0mg/kg was the most effective (-8.13 [-9.31, -6.94]). The majority of systemic therapies were superior to placebo in reducing pruritus. In particular, dupilumab studies consistently showed large improvements in pruritus and nemolizumab showed the strongest anti-pruritic effects, however future head-to-head trials are required for conclusive evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- X L Tan
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, The Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - B R Thomas
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, The Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.,Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital and ERN Skin, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BB, UK
| | - Y J Tan
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, The Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - E A O'Toole
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, The Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.,Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital and ERN Skin, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BB, UK
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18
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Hölsken S, Krefting F, Schedlowski M, Sondermann W. Expectation-induced enhancement of pain, itch and quality of life in psoriasis patients: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047099. [PMID: 34475155 PMCID: PMC8413966 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experimental and clinical data demonstrate that skin diseases like psoriasis are affected by psychological factors and can be modulated by interventions other than conventional drug therapy. The expectation of patients towards the benefit of a forthcoming treatment as well as treatment pre-experiences have been demonstrated as crucial factors mediating placebo responses in inflammatory skin diseases. However, it is unknown whether and to what extent treatment outcomes of psoriasis patients under therapy with monoclonal antibodies like secukinumab can be experimentally modulated at subjective and physiological levels by modifying the expectation of patients via verbal instruction or prior experience. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Treatment expectations will be modulated in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis undergoing treatment with the anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody secukinumab. Patients with a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) >12 will be randomly allocated to one of three groups (N=40 each). As a standard schedule, patients in the pharmacological control group (group 1) will be treated weekly with 300 mg secukinumab, while patients in groups 2 and 3 will receive only 75 mg secukinumab (75% dose reduction) during all treatment weeks. In addition to the injections, patients in group 3 will ingest a novel tasting drink, with a cover story explaining that previous studies showed additional beneficial effects of this combination (drug and drink). Patients will be assessed and treated at nine visits over a 16-week period, during which the severity of pain and itch symptoms, skin lesions and quality of life will be analysed with standardised questionnaires and the PASI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Ethics committee of the Medical Faculty of the University Duisburg-Essen. Study outcomes will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hölsken
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frederik Krefting
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wiebke Sondermann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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19
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Misery L, Brenaut E, Pierre O, Le Garrec R, Gouin O, Lebonvallet N, Abasq-Thomas C, Talagas M, Le Gall-Ianotto C, Besner-Morin C, Fluhr JW, Leven C. Chronic itch: emerging treatments following new research concepts. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4775-4791. [PMID: 34463358 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, itch pathophysiology was poorly understood and treatments were poorly effective in relieving itch. Current progress in our knowledge of the itch processing, the numerous mediators and receptors involved has led to a large variety of possible therapeutic pathways. Currently, inhibitors of IL-31, IL-4/13, NK1 receptors, opioids and cannabinoids, JAK, PDE4 or TRP are the main compounds involved in clinical trials. However, many new targets, such as Mas-related GPCRs and unexpected new pathways need to be also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Misery
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Emilie Brenaut
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | | | | | - Olivier Gouin
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Claire Abasq-Thomas
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Matthieu Talagas
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | | | - Catherine Besner-Morin
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France.,Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joachim W Fluhr
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cyril Leven
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,EA3878, FCRIN INNOVTE, groupe d'étude thrombose Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Department of Biochemistry and Pharmaco-Toxicology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
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20
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Sölle A, Worm M, Benedetti F, Sabine Bartholomäus T, Schwender-Groen L, Klinger R. Targeted Use of Placebo Effects Decreases Experimental Itch in Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 110:486-497. [PMID: 33894061 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from pain research shows that the effectiveness of active pharmacological treatments can be enhanced by placebo effects. The "open drug administration" is superior to "hidden drug administration." In a randomized controlled trial, we aimed to show that the targeted use of placebo effects increases the efficacy of an antihistamine (dimetindene) infusion in participants with atopic dermatitis. We openly infused dimetindene (drug) in full sight with information (intervention group 1: OPEN-DRUG+INST), openly infused drug with an additional classical conditioning learning experience (intervention group 2: OPEN-DRUG+INST+COND) or infused drug without any information or sight (i.e., hidden administration (control group 1: HIDDEN-DRUG)). Control group 2 received a placebo infusion (saline) declared as dimetindene and also experienced the conditioning experience (PLAC+INST+COND). Itch was experimentally induced with histamine via a skin prick test. Outcome was assessed at the subjective (primary end point: experimental itch intensity, numeric rating scale), and objective level (secondary end point: wheal size, mm2 ). Experimental-induced itch intensity decreased in all groups but at different rates (P < 0.001). The groups with the open administration, whether it was dimetindene or placebo, had significantly stronger reductions in itch compared to the HIDDEN-DRUG group (OPEN-DRUG+INST+COND: P < 0.001; OPEN-DRUG+INST: P = 0.009; and PLAC+INST+COND: P < 0.001). Additional drug conditioning mediated via expectation led to a stronger reduction of itching (P = 0.001). Results on wheal size were similar (P = 0.048), however, no significant difference between the HIDDEN-DRUG group and the PLAC+INST+COND group (P = 0.967) was found. We conclude that specifically generated targeted placebo effects can significantly increase the action of a drug (dimetindene) and should be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Sölle
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Pain Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Margitta Worm
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Allergy-Center-Charité, Charité University Medical Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Neuroscience Dept, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy.,Plateau Rosa Labs, Zermatt, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Sabine Bartholomäus
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Allergy-Center-Charité, Charité University Medical Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Schwender-Groen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Pain Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Regine Klinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Pain Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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21
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Kim KY, Kim JSTW, Tsai AWW, Hsing WT. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Itch: Literature Review and Future Perspectives. Med Acupunct 2021; 33:137-143. [PMID: 33912270 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2020.1445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic pruritus is a prevalent, multifactorial and debilitating condition that is often underestimated. This article reviews current evidence to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of itch. Results: Although many researchers have conducted observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews on the subject, the lack of more-robust and well-designed studies to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of itch is evident. Many published studies are of poor quality, with no clear description of randomization methods, and an absence of control groups and measurable clinical outcomes. In addition, a lack of standardization in methods for assessing pruritus and the acupuncture treatment protocols hinders more-comprehensive and higher-quality pooled data analysis. Conclusions: Current evidence cannot fully support acupuncture for the treatment of itch yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yun Kim
- Acupuncture Center of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - André Wan Wen Tsai
- Acupuncture Center of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wu Tu Hsing
- Acupuncture Center of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Husein-ElAhmed H, Steinhoff M. Effectiveness of ustekinumab in patients with atopic dermatitis: analysis of real-world evidence. J DERMATOL TREAT 2021; 33:1838-1843. [PMID: 33849369 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1914315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a very common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody approved for psoriasis, that targets the p40 subunit shared by interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23, cytokines which may also play a role in AD. Administration of ustekinumab in AD has been presented in anecdotal reports with conflicting results. Our aim was to evaluate the precise value of this biologic drug on AD in real-world setting. MATERIAL AND METHOD We sistematically reviewed published data and analyzed aggregated results involving AD treated with ustekinumab. The main outcome was clinical improvement reported by each record. We classified this in three categories: "complete response", "partial response" and "no response". A multivariant model was used to assess association between response to ustekinumab and the following potential predictive factors: gender, age (age < or >50), duration of AD, history of asthma, previous use of biologic drugs, number of previous systemic therapies, serum levels of IgE and duration of ustekinumab therapy. RESULTS Data on 23 patients from eight articles were analyzed. Complete AD remission was reported in 8 patients (34.8%), while abscense of response was observed also in 8 patients (34.8%). Partial response was reported in 7 patients (30.4%). No differences were observed with respect to age, gender, history of asthma, naïve patient, duration of AD or duration of ustekinumab therapy. CONCLUSION We conclude from available data the IL-12/23 pathway is likely not an atractive target for AD. More no convincing data exist arguing against consideration of ustekinumab in AD patients. Other effective treatments are available and should be prioritized with good safety profile. Limitations are yet low number of studies and patients.WHAT'S ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?Administration of ustekinumab in AD (atopic dermatitis) has been presented in anecdotical reports with conflicting resultsWHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?This work presents the largest cohort of AD patients treated with ustekinumab in a real-world setting.Ustekinumab resulted in similar rates of complete, partial and negative responses.Our findings demonstrate the IL-12/23 pathway is not an atractive target in AD.More novel and effective treatments for AD are available and should be prioritized.The impact of anti IL-12/IL-23p40 therapy in AD is still unclarified due to limited controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husein Husein-ElAhmed
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hospital de Baza, Granada, Spain.,Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Medical School, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Dept. of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Kinugasa E, Igawa K, Shimada H, Kondo M, Funakoshi S, Imada N, Itami N, Fukazawa N, Takubo R, Kawata Y, Murota H. Anti-pruritic effect of nemolizumab in hemodialysis patients with uremic pruritus: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Clin Exp Nephrol 2021; 25:875-884. [PMID: 33754202 PMCID: PMC8260520 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-021-02047-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of uremic pruritus (UP), which is characterized by systemic and intractable itching, remains unclear. As interleukin (IL)-31 may be involved, we conducted a phase II, randomized, controlled study to evaluate nemolizumab (anti-IL-31 receptor A antibody) in Japanese hemodialysis patients with UP. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1) to one of four double-blind groups (receiving a single subcutaneous injection of nemolizumab 0.125, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/kg, or placebo on Day 1) or an open-label reference group (receiving oral nalfurafine hydrochloride 2.5-5 μg once daily for 12 weeks). The primary endpoint was the difference in the absolute change in pruritus visual analog scale (VAS) at Week 4 between placebo and each nemolizumab group. RESULTS The primary efficacy endpoint was not met. The mean change from baseline with all three nemolizumab doses at Week 1, and with 0.5 mg/kg at Week 4, was greater than with placebo. Least square mean differences (95% confidence intervals) in the absolute changes between the placebo arm and each nemolizumab arm were - 2.4 (- 19.7, 14.9) for 0.125 mg/kg, - 8.7 (- 26.6, 9.2) for 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.4 (- 17.0, 17.8) for 2.0 mg/kg. Secondary efficacy parameters including the Shiratori severity score and 5-D itch score failed to show between-group differences. Patients with higher serum IL-31 levels at screening tended to have greater pruritus VAS reductions following nemolizumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS In this phase II study in patients with UP, the primary efficacy parameter was not met. Nemolizumab was generally well tolerated with no clinically significant safety concerns. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION JAPIC: JapicCTI-152961, https://www.clinicaltrials.jp/cti-user/trial/ShowDirect.jsp?japicId=JapicCTI-152961 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Kinugasa
- Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1 Chigasaki-chuo, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 224-8503, Japan.
| | - Ken Igawa
- Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hiroyuki Murota
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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24
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Wollenberg A, Thomsen SF, Lacour JP, Jaumont X, Lazarewicz S. Targeting immunoglobulin E in atopic dermatitis: A review of the existing evidence. World Allergy Organ J 2021; 14:100519. [PMID: 33815652 PMCID: PMC8005850 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays an essential role in many allergic diseases. This review highlights the role of IgE in atopic dermatitis (AD), a common, chronic, and complex skin inflammation, and the available therapeutic approaches that target IgE in AD. We examine the existing data showing the use of omalizumab, the only biologic anti-IgE therapy available in clinical use, plasma apheresis, and a combination of both therapeutic approaches for the treatment of AD. Existing data on the efficacy of omalizumab in AD are inconclusive. A limited number of randomised controlled studies, few uncontrolled prospective and retrospective reports, as well as multiple case series and case reports observed varying degrees of the efficacy of omalizumab in AD. Omalizumab displays a trend of higher efficacy in AD patients with low IgE levels compared with those with very high-to-extremely high serum IgE concentrations. Plasma apheresis and its combination with omalizumab show good efficacy, even in patients with unusually high serum IgE concentrations. Combining apheresis and anti-IgE treatment may serve as a comprehensive therapeutic approach for patients with elevated levels of IgE. Dedicated clinical studies with robust study designs are needed to establish the therapeutic efficacy of omalizumab in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wollenberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Simon Francis Thomsen
- Department of Dermato-Venereology and Wound Healing Centre, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jean-Philippe Lacour
- Department of Dermatology, Archet Hospital, Université Côte D'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Nice, Nice, France
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25
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Sondermann W, Reinboldt-Jockenhöfer F, Dissemond J, Pfaar O, Bingel U, Schedlowski M. Effects of Patients' Expectation in Dermatology: Evidence from Experimental and Clinical Placebo Studies and Implications for Dermatologic Practice and Research. Dermatology 2021; 237:857-871. [PMID: 33498052 DOI: 10.1159/000513445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients' expectations towards the benefit of a treatment are key determinants of placebo responses and can affect the development and course of medical conditions and the efficacy and tolerability of active medical treatment. The mechanisms mediating these placebo and nocebo effects have been best described in the field of experimental pain and placebo analgesia. However, also in dermatology experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that various skin diseases such as inflammatory dermatoses and allergic reactions can be modulated by patients' expectations. Dermatologists should consider the important modulatory role of patients' expectations on the efficacy and tolerability of specific treatments and the key role of verbal information, patients' prior treatment experiences (associative learning), and the quality and quantity of doctor-patient communication in shaping treatment expectation. As a consequence, techniques aiming at maximizing patients' expectation effects should be implemented into daily clinical routine. By contrast, in clinical studies expectation effects should be maximally controlled and harmonized to improve the "assay sensitivity" to detect new compounds. Further translational studies, also in dermatoses that have not been investigated yet, are needed to better characterize the mechanisms underlying patients' expectation and to gain further insights into potential clinical implications of these effects in dermatologic conditions. Therefore, in this review, we provide a brief overview on the concept of expectation effects on treatment outcome in general, summarize what is already known about this topic for dermatologic diseases, and finally present the relevance of this topic in clinical dermatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Sondermann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,
| | - Finja Reinboldt-Jockenhöfer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim Dissemond
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Pfaar
- Section of Rhinology and Allergy, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, Lavrijsen APM, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AWM. Open- and Closed-Label Placebo and Nocebo Suggestions About a Sham Transdermal Patch. Psychosom Med 2021; 83:33-42. [PMID: 32969962 PMCID: PMC7748039 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Placebo effects may occur when it is known that an inert substance is given (i.e., open-label placebo). It is not yet clear whether these effects are similar to concealed (i.e., closed-label) placebo effects for itch or whether nocebo effects can be induced under open-label conditions. METHODS Healthy volunteers (n = 112) were randomized to an open-label (I) or closed-label (II) positive suggestions group, or an open-label (III) or closed-label (IV) negative suggestions group. Participants were told, as cover story, that a transdermal caffeine patch would be applied that positively influences cognitive abilities and, as a side effect, positively or negatively (depending on group allocation) influences itch. Participants in the open-label groups were given a rationale explaining placebo and nocebo effect mechanisms. Itch (the primary outcome) was induced at baseline and postsuggestions by histamine iontophoresis. RESULTS Analyses of variance revealed significantly lower itch in the positive compared with the negative suggestions groups for both open- and closed-label contexts (all, p ≤ .008, Cohen d ≥ 0.47). Self-rated skin response was less severe after positive versus negative suggestions (all, p ≤ .017, Cohen d ≥ 0.33), but no effects on physical skin response were found (all, p ≥ .23, Cohen d ≤ 0.30). CONCLUSIONS Itch can be reduced by positive compared with negative suggestions under both open- and closed-label conditions. These findings indicate that open-label suggestions may potentially be a tool to use placebo effects for self-reported outcomes in clinical practice, for example, by explaining the role of expectancy in treatment. It needs to be investigated further under which circumstances an open-label rationale may impact placebo and nocebo effects.Trial Registration:www.trialregister.nl; NTR7174.
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27
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Najafi P, Dufor O, Ben Salem D, Misery L, Carré JL. Itch processing in the brain. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 35:1058-1066. [PMID: 33145804 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Itch is a sensation defined as the urge to scratch. The central mechanisms of itch are being increasingly studied. These studies are usually based on experimental itch induction methods, which can be classified into the following categories: histamine-induced, induction by other non-histamine chemicals (e.g. cowhage), physically induced (e.g. electrical) and mentally induced (e.g. audio-visual). Because pain has been more extensively studied, some extrapolations to itch can be proposed and verified by experiments. Recent studies suggest that the itch-processing network in the brain could be disrupted in certain diseases. This disruption could be related to the implication of new regions or the exclusion of already engaged brain regions from itch-processing network in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - O Dufor
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,LabISEN Yncréa Ouest ISEN, Brest, France
| | - D Ben Salem
- Univ Brest, LaTIM, INSERM, UMR 1101, Brest, France.,University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | - L Misery
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | - J-L Carré
- LIEN, Univ Brest, Brest, France.,University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
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28
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Damiani G, Kridin K, Pacifico A, Malagoli P, Pigatto PDM, Finelli R, Taccone FS, Peluso L, Conic RRZ, Bragazzi NL, Fiore M. Antihistamines-refractory chronic pruritus in psoriatic patients undergoing biologics: aprepitant vs antihistamine double dosage, a real-world data. J DERMATOL TREAT 2020; 33:1554-1557. [PMID: 33084462 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1840502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis-related pruritus (PRP) in patients under systemic treatment is challenging. The risk to switch anti-psoriatic drugs and to lose response to previous therapy is high, thus dermatologists prefer to add an anti-pruritic agent. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of anti-histamines and aprepitant in treating PPR of psoriatic patients undergoing systemic anti-psoriatic therapies. METHODS A pilot observational open-label study was performed on responsive psoriatic patients with PPR under treatment. Initial therapy included oral rupatadine (10 mg/day for 30 days). In case of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was above 14, patients were switched to aprepitant (80 mg/day for 7 days), otherwise, rupatadine dosage was increased (20 mg/day for 7 days). Clinical evaluation was performed at the baseline (T0) and after 7 days (T7). RESULTS We enrolled 40 patients with PPR, 20 in each group. Age, gender, Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and the itch - VAS, were matched. At T7, aprepitant displayed higher improvements than rupatadine (itch - VAS = 4 [3-5] vs 8.5 [8-9], p < .01, DLQI = 14 [13-16] vs. 18 [16-21], p < .01 and ESS = 5 [4-7] vs 15 [14-16], p < .01). Doubling the rupatadine dosage from 10 mg to 20 mg/day only slightly improve itch (itch - VAS = 9 [8-10] vs 9 [8-9], p = .03), conversely no modifications in the quality of life (DLQI = 18 [17-20] vs 18 [17-21], p = .73) and increased sleepiness (ESS = 10 [9-11] vs 15 [14-16], p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Aprepitant may be a valid alternative in PPR patients with ESS >14 under antihistamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Damiani
- Department of Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Pacifico
- Clinical Dermatology Department, IRCCS S. Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo D M Pigatto
- Department of Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabio S Taccone
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Peluso
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Nicola L Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Marco Fiore
- Young Dermatologists Italian Network, Bergamo, Italy.,Department of Women, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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29
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Misery L, Belloni Fortina A, El Hachem M, Chernyshov P, Kobyletzki L, Heratizadeh A, Marcoux D, Aoki V, Zaniboni M, Stalder J, Eichenfield L. A position paper on the management of itch and pain in atopic dermatitis from the International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD)/Oriented Patient‐Education Network in Dermatology (OPENED) task force. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 35:787-796. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Misery
- Department of Dermatology and Expert Center on Pruritus University Hospital of Brest Brest France
| | | | - M. El Hachem
- Dermatology Unit Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalIRCCS Rome Italy
| | - P. Chernyshov
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology National Medical University Kiev Ukraine
| | - L. Kobyletzki
- Department of Medical Research Lund University Malmö Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Örebro University Örebro Sweden
| | - A. Heratizadeh
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - D. Marcoux
- Division of Dermatology Department of Pediatrics University of MontrealSte‐Justine Hospital Montreal QC Canada
| | - V. Aoki
- Department of Dermatology University of Sao Paulo Medical School Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - M.C. Zaniboni
- Department of Dermatology University of Sao Paulo Medical School Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - J.‐F. Stalder
- Department of Dermatology University Hospital of Nantes Nantes France
| | - L.F. Eichenfield
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics University of California San Diego CA USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To analyze the status of precision medicine in atopic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Atopic diseases are increasingly recognized as heterogeneous in nature and they can be quite different in severity, response to therapy, triggers, genetic back ground, ancestral risk and type of inflammation. This significant variability in the landscape of atopic diseases is not reflected in the common treatment guidelines that follow 'one fits all' approach for their management. Such an approach is largely based on minimal 'phenotype' elements, such as severity of disease and response to therapy and does not reflect the information accumulate in the last 20 years about particular pathogenic pathways (endotypes) leading to disease (phenotypes) based on biomolecular analysis of the single individuals. Accumulating data have defined asthma allergic rhinitis, food allergy based on their endotypes and clinically relevant phenotypes. In general, atopic diseases can be largely classified as high or low Th2 inflammatory status, which may explain the severity and response to therapy. SUMMARY Precision medicine is aiming to use known endotype phenotype to guide specific individualized treatment. The work aimed in deep characterization of diseases to guide the disease management is crucial in light of the availability of ever more precise treatment able to target specific pathways.
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31
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Diagnostik von psychischen Faktoren bei chronischem Pruritus. Hautarzt 2020; 71:506-510. [DOI: 10.1007/s00105-020-04596-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Pruritus ist ein häufiges und quälendes Symptom in der Bevölkerung sowie in ärztlichen Praxen.
Ziel der Arbeit
Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Systematik psychischer Faktoren in Entstehung bzw. Verlauf des Pruritus sowie Hinweise zu ihrer jeweiligen Diagnostik
Material und Methode
Es handelt sich um eine Überblicksarbeit.
Ergebnisse
Psychische Beeinträchtigungen/Störungen können als Reaktion auf chronischen Pruritus auftreten, z. B. als Anpassungsstörungen, depressive Störungen, Angststörungen. Psychische Faktoren können auch in Entstehung und Verlauf eines chronischen Pruritus eine Rolle spielen, entweder im Zusammenspiel mit organischen Ursachen oder bei deren Fehlen als somatoformer Pruritus oder Pruritus bei coenästhetischer Schizophrenie. Ferner können selbstinduzierte Kratzartefakte mit oder ohne Pruritus im Rahmen von Störungen der Impulskontrolle, Zwangsstörungen oder Artefaktstörungen auftreten. Auch eine primär unabhängige Komorbidität mit einer sonstigen psychischen oder psychosomatischen Störung kann das Management des Pruritus erschweren und den Krankheitsverlauf beeinflussen. Es werden Hinweise zur Diagnostik der genannten Faktoren gegeben.
Diskussion
Die Diagnostik psychischer Einflussfaktoren und psychischer Aspekte des chronischen Pruritus ist komplex. Das wichtigste diagnostische Werkzeug ist die gründliche Anamneseerhebung auch bezüglich psychischer Aspekte. Zusätzlich können psychometrische Instrumente zum Einsatz kommen, die das ärztliche Gespräch jedoch nicht ersetzen.
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Aquino TMO, Luchangco KAC, Sanchez EV, Verallo‐Rowell VM. A randomized controlled study of 6% gabapentin topical formulation for chronic kidney disease‐associated pruritus. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:955-961. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth V. Sanchez
- Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc. Pasig City Philippines
- V. Luna Medical Center Quezon City Philippines
| | - Vermen M. Verallo‐Rowell
- Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc. Pasig City Philippines
- VMV Skin Research Centre + Clinics Makati City Philippines
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Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, van Laarhoven AIM, van Leijenhorst C, Pacheco-Lopez G, Lavrijsen APM, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AWM. Placebo and nocebo effects for itch and itch-related immune outcomes: A systematic review of animal and human studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:325-337. [PMID: 32240668 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Placebo and nocebo effects can influence somatic symptoms such as pain. For itch and other dermatological symptoms these effects have been far less investigated. This review systematically integrates evidence from both animal (mainly rodents) and human trials on placebo and nocebo effects in itch, itch-related symptoms and conditions of the skin and mucous membranes, and related immune outcomes (e.g., histamine). Thirty-one animal studies, and fifty-five human studies (k = 21 healthy participants, k = 34 patients) were included. Overall, studies consistently show that placebo and nocebo effects can be induced by various methods (e.g., suggestions, conditioning and social cues), despite high heterogeneity across studies. Effects of suggestions were found consistently across subjective and behavioral parameters (e.g., itch and scratching in humans), whereas conditioning was likely to impact physiological parameters under certain conditions (e.g., conditioning of histamine levels in stressed rodents). Brain areas responsible for itch processing were associated with nocebo effects. Future research may investigate how variations in methods impact placebo and nocebo effects, and whether all symptoms and conditions can be influenced equally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antoinette I M van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cora van Leijenhorst
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-Lopez
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Lerma, Health Sciences Department, Lerma, 52005, Edo Mex, Mexico
| | - Adriana P M Lavrijsen
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Vincenzi B, Trower M, Duggal A, Guglielmini P, Harris P, Jackson D, Lacouture ME, Ratti E, Tonini G, Wood A, Ständer S. Neurokinin-1 antagonist orvepitant for EGFRI-induced pruritus in patients with cancer: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e030114. [PMID: 32034016 PMCID: PMC7045265 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of orvepitant (10 or 30 mg given once daily, orally for 4 weeks), a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, compared with placebo in reducing the intensity of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI)-induced intense pruritus. DESIGN Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING 15 hospitals in Italy and five hospitals in the UK. PARTICIPANTS 44 patients aged ≥18 years receiving an EGFRI for a histologically confirmed malignant solid tumour and experiencing moderate or intense pruritus after EGFRI treatment. INTERVENTION 30 or 10 mg orvepitant or placebo tablets once daily for 4 weeks (randomised 1:1:1). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean patient-recorded numerical rating scale (NRS) score (over the last three recordings) at week 4. Secondary outcome measures were NRS score, verbal rating scale score, Skindex-16 and Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire at each study visit (baseline, weeks 1, 4, 8); rescue medication use; EGFRI dose reduction; and study withdrawal because of intense uncontrolled pruritus. RESULTS The trial was terminated early because of recruitment challenges; only 44 of the planned 90 patients were randomised. All patients were analysed for efficacy and safety. Mean NRS score change from baseline to week 4 was -2.78 (SD: 2.64) points in the 30 mg group, -3.04 (SD: 3.06) points in the 10 mg group and -3.21 (SD: 1.77) points in the placebo group; the difference between orvepitant and placebo was not statistically significant. No safety signal was detected. Adverse events related to orvepitant (asthenia, dizziness, dry mouth, hyperhidrosis) were all of mild or moderate severity. CONCLUSIONS Orvepitant was safe and well tolerated. No difference in NRS score between the orvepitant and placebo groups was observed at the week 4 primary endpoint. A number of explanations for this outcome are possible. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER EudraCT2013-002763-25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Vincenzi
- Medical Oncology, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ajay Duggal
- Adnovate Clinical Development Strategies, East Sussex, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mario E Lacouture
- Department of Dermatology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Medical Oncology, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Sonja Ständer
- Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Jockenhöfer F, Knust C, Benson S, Schedlowski M, Dissemond J. Einfluss von Placeboeffekten auf die Lebensqualität und Wundheilung von Patienten mit chronischem Ulcus cruris venosum. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2020; 18:103-110. [DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13996_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Finja Jockenhöfer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie Venerologie und Allergologie Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Christopher Knust
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie Venerologie und Allergologie Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Sven Benson
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie und Verhaltensimmunbiologie Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie und Verhaltensimmunbiologie Universitätsklinikum Essen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience Osher Center for Integrative Medicine Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Joachim Dissemond
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie Venerologie und Allergologie Universitätsklinikum Essen
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Maredia H, Kwatra SG. Emerging novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of patients with prurigo nodularis. J DERMATOL TREAT 2020; 32:741-744. [DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1707469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hasina Maredia
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shawn G. Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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37
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Jockenhöfer F, Knust C, Benson S, Schedlowski M, Dissemond J. Influence of placebo effects on quality of life and wound healing in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2019; 18:103-109. [PMID: 31814307 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placebo effects are used in the treatment of various medical conditions. To date, there is little scientific data in this regard as it relates to skin diseases in general and hardly any data with respect to wound healing in particular. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a prospective randomized controlled trial, patients with chronic venous leg ulcers were observed for a period of 14 weeks. The objective was to investigate whether raising patients' expectations with regard to a novel wound treatment might have an effect on wound healing processes as well as wound-related quality of life, anxiety, depression and pain. RESULTS Overall, 20 patients were included in the trial. They were stratified based on gender and randomized to either the intervention (IG) or the control group (CG). In both groups, the wound area decreased significantly over the course of the observation period. Unlike patients in the CG, those in the IG experienced significant improvement in wound-related quality of life (wound-QoL) in terms of both the overall score and the various subscales. Neither group showed significant changes with respect to pain, anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to show that - merely by raising patients' expectations for a novel treatment - placebo effects can significantly improve quality of life in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. In the future, our findings should be integrated into the development of treatment concepts for patients with chronic wounds and should be investigated in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finja Jockenhöfer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center, Essen, Germany
| | - Christopher Knust
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Benson
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Medical Center, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Medical Center, Essen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joachim Dissemond
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center, Essen, Germany
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38
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Evers AWM, Peerdeman KJ, van Laarhoven AIM. What is new in the psychology of chronic itch? Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:1442-1447. [PMID: 31246320 PMCID: PMC6973117 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Itch is often regarded as unpleasant or bothersome and is accompanied by symptoms of distress and impairments in daily life. The biopsychosocial model of chronic itch describes how psychological factors can contribute to the improvement or exacerbation of chronic itch and related scratching behaviour. Recent research underlines the important role of cognitive-affective information processing, such as attention, affect and expectancies. This may not only play a role for acute itch states, but may particularly apply to the process of itch chronification, for example, due to the vicious cycle in which these factors shape the experience of itch. The present paper focuses on new insights into the relation between itch and the cognitive-affective factors of attention, affect and expectancies. These factors are thought to play a possible aggravating role in itch in the long term and have received increasing attention in the recent empirical literature on maintaining and exacerbating factors for chronic physical symptoms. Possible psychophysiological and neurobiological pathways regarding these factors are discussed, as well as possible intervention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea W. M. Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology UnitLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Department of PsychiatryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and CognitionLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Kaya J. Peerdeman
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology UnitLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and CognitionLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Antoinette I. M. van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology UnitLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Department of PsychiatryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and CognitionLeidenThe Netherlands
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39
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Meyersburg D, Laimer M, Kugler A, Mühlthaler E, Lindlbauer N, Hitzl W, Rohde E, Bauer JW, Grabmer C. Single-use IgE-selective immunoadsorber column for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis. J Clin Apher 2019; 35:50-58. [PMID: 31755575 PMCID: PMC7003837 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease with unmet therapeutic need in a critical cohort of recalcitrant cases. Immunoadsorption (IA) aims at an immunomodulatory depletion of pathogenic serum mediators and has recently revealed promising clinical results for the treatment of AD. Objective To determine efficacy, sustainability, safety, and clinical impact of IgE selective IA in AD using a single‐use IgE immunoadsorber column. Methods This open‐label pilot study comprised five patients (mean SCORAD 67.9 ± 11.4, range 52.2‐81.9; mean serum IgE level 5904 ± 5945 U/mL, range 1000‐15 600 IU/mL) who underwent IgE‐selective IA. Three patients continued prior therapy with systemic immunosuppressive drugs during IA as an add‐on therapeutic approach. All patients received three courses of IA. The first course consisted of three consecutive daily treatments followed by two sequences with two consecutive applications. All courses were performed on a monthly regimen. Results IA proved efficacy in selectively depleting serum IgE levels in all participants (mean reduction by cycle of 81% ± 12%, range 64%‐93%). It further led to a clinically relevant and sustained improvement of AD with a maximum decline in SCORAD and EASI scores by up to 35% and 52%, respectively, compared to baseline. Scores persisted below baseline for at least 12 weeks beyond the last IA. The intervention was also well tolerated with no severe adverse events during a total of 35 procedures. Conclusion Data of this preliminary trial indicates clinical efficacy, feasibility, safety as well as tolerability of IgE‐selective IA in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Meyersburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andrea Kugler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva Mühlthaler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nadja Lindlbauer
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Hitzl
- Research Office (biostatistics), Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva Rohde
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Grabmer
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Eicher L, Knop M, Aszodi N, Senner S, French LE, Wollenberg A. A systematic review of factors influencing treatment adherence in chronic inflammatory skin disease - strategies for optimizing treatment outcome. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33:2253-2263. [PMID: 31454113 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adherence describes how a patient follows a medical regime recommended by a healthcare provider. Poor treatment adherence represents a complex and challenging problem of international healthcare systems, as it has a substantial impact on clinical outcomes and patient safety and constitutes an important financial burden. Since it is one of the most common causes of treatment failure, it is extremely important for physicians to reliably distinguish between non-adherence and non-response. This systematic review aims to summarize the current literature on treatment adherence in dermatology, focusing on chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed Database, including articles from 2008 to 2018. Low treatment adherence is a multidimensional phenomenon defined by the interplay of numerous factors and should under no circumstances be considered as the patient's fault alone. Factors influencing treatment adherence in dermatology include patient characteristics and beliefs, treatment efficacy and duration, administration routes, disease chronicity and the disease itself. Moreover, the quality of the physician-patient relationship including physician-time available for the patient plays an important role. Understanding patients' adherence patterns and the main drivers of non-adherence creates opportunities to improve adherence in the future. Strategies to increase treatment adherence range from reminder programs to simplifying prescriptions or educational interventions. Absolute adherence to treatment may not be realistically achievable, but efforts need to be made to raise awareness in order to maximize adherence as far as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Eicher
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - M Knop
- Derma I, München Klinik, Munich, Germany
| | - N Aszodi
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - S Senner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - L E French
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Derma I, München Klinik, Munich, Germany
| | - A Wollenberg
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Derma I, München Klinik, Munich, Germany
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de Greef BTA, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Geerts M, Oakes M, Church TJE, Waxman SG, Dib-Hajj SD, Faber CG, Merkies ISJ. Lacosamide in patients with Nav1.7 mutations-related small fibre neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial. Brain 2019; 142:263-275. [PMID: 30649227 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic treatment of neuropathic pain in small fibre neuropathy is often disappointing. The finding of voltage-gated sodium channel mutations in small fibre neuropathy (with mutations in SCN9A, encoding for Nav1.7) being most frequently reported suggest a specific target for therapy. The anticonvulsant lacosamide acts on Nav1.3, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of lacosamide as a potential treatment for pain in Nav1.7-related small fibre neuropathy. The Lacosamide-Efficacy-'N'-Safety in SFN (LENSS) was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover-design study. Subjects were recruited in the Netherlands between November 2014 and July 2016. Patients with Nav1.7-related small fibre neuropathy were randomized to start with lacosamide followed by placebo or vice versa. In both 8-week treatment phases, patients received 200 mg two times a day (BID), preceded by a titration period, and ended by a tapering period. The primary outcome was efficacy, defined as the proportion of patients with 1-point average pain score reduction compared to baseline using the Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01911975. Twenty-four subjects received lacosamide, and 23 received placebo. In 58.3% of patients receiving lacosamide, mean average pain decreased by at least 1 point, compared to 21.7% in the placebo group [sensitivity analyses, odds ratio 5.65 (95% confidence interval: 1.83-17.41); P = 0.0045]. In the lacosamide group, 33.3% reported that their general condition improved versus 4.3% in the placebo group (P-value = 0.0156). Additionally, a significant decrease in daily sleep interference, and in surface pain intensity was demonstrated. No significant changes in quality of life or autonomic symptoms were found. Lacosamide was well tolerated and safe in use. This study shows that lacosamide has a significant effect on pain, general wellbeing, and sleep quality. Lacosamide was well tolerated and safe, suggesting that it can be used for pain treatment in Nav1.7-related small fibre neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca T A de Greef
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G J Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Margot Geerts
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mike Oakes
- ParamStat Limited, University of Sussex, Fairlight, East Sussex, UK
| | | | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sulayman D Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Catharina G Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S J Merkies
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Willemstad, Curaçao
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Mirtazapine for the Treatment of Chronic Pruritus. MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6030073. [PMID: 31284577 PMCID: PMC6789675 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6030073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Chronic pruritus is a debilitating condition associated with a wide range of dermatologic, systemic and psychogenic etiologies. In patients with chronic pruritus that is refractory to conventional therapy, symptoms can significantly decrease quality of life by contributing to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and in many cases depression. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of mirtazapine in relieving chronic itch that is refractory to standard first-line therapies. Methods: We searched PubMed for English-language articles containing the words (“pruritus” or “itch”) AND “antidepressant” and then conducted a systematic review of the current literature to summarize the efficacy of mirtazapine in treating chronic itch. Results: All studies reported a reduction in itch intensity following the administration of mirtazapine. Conclusion: Collectively, these studies suggest the potential for mirtazapine to relieve chronic itch attributed to dermatological causes and malignancies. As, such mirtazapine may be an option for patients with chronic pruritus that is refractory to typical first-line treatments.
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43
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Boozalis E, Khanna R, Zampella JG, Kwatra SG. Tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of chronic pruritus. J DERMATOL TREAT 2019; 32:124-126. [DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1623369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Boozalis
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raveena Khanna
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - John G. Zampella
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shawn G. Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Abstract
Itch treatment is a major challenge in the dermatologist’s practice. We encounter patients suffering from pruritus on a regular basis, and often lack diverse treatment options to adequately respond to the patients’ needs. In the last 20 years, novel pathways have been investigated that were beyond the scope of histamine. Although most did not result in a molecule available on the Canadian market, it is interesting and important as health care providers to stay up to date with new neuronal pathways involved in itch transmission and potential new therapeutic options. In this review, we will discuss pathways targeted in new topical treatments such as antagonist of proteinase-activated receptor-2, the endocannabinoid system, neurotrophins and tropomyosin-related kinase A receptor, the transient receptor potential-vanilloid or transient receptor potential-melastatine ion channels. New systemic therapies are now focusing on antagonizing the neurokinin receptor, modulating the opioidergic system, or targeting itch cytokines such as interleukin-31.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurent Misery
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Brest, France
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45
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Frisaldi E, Shaibani A, Vollert J, Ferrero B, Carrino R, Ibraheem HD, Vase L, Benedetti F. The placebo response in myasthenia gravis assessed by quantitative myasthenia gravis score: A meta-analysis. Muscle Nerve 2019; 59:671-678. [PMID: 30883809 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This meta-analysis investigates the placebo response in generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) trials by means of Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, and EMBASE were searched. QMG score, dropouts rate, adverse events (AEs), and AEs responsible for dropouts were examined, together with treatment moderators. RESULTS The magnitude of placebo response showed an effect size of 0.24, which was significantly lower than 0.67 of the drug response (P = 0.019). Furthermore, the forest plot revealed that, overall, active treatments showed a significantly higher impact on QMG scores than placebos. CONCLUSIONS Placebo and drug responses in MG trials are small and moderate, respectively. The lack of MG trials with a pure placebo arm or a no-treatment control arm made it impossible to disentangle improvements due to the placebo psychological effect from other effects such as natural history and/or regression to the mean. Muscle Nerve 59:671-678, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Frisaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Center of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim CBTM, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Bruno Ferrero
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Carrino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy.,Plateau Rosà Laboratories, Plateau Rosà, Italy/Switzerland
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46
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Leshem YA, Bissonnette R, Paul C, Silverberg JI, Irvine AD, Paller AS, Cork MJ, Guttman-Yassky E. Optimization of placebo use in clinical trials with systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis: an International Eczema Council survey-based position statement. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33:807-815. [PMID: 30859656 PMCID: PMC6594032 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As novel systemic therapeutics for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are developed, ethical and methodological concerns regarding placebo-controlled-trials (PCT) have surfaced. OBJECTIVE To guide the design and implementation of PCT in AD, focusing on trials with systemic medications. METHODS A subgroup of the International Eczema Council (IEC) developed a consensus e-survey, which was disseminated to IEC members. RESULTS The response rate was 43/82 (52%). Consensus was reached on 24/27 statements and on 3/11 options from multiple-selection statements, including: performing monotherapy studies in proof-of-concept phases; avoiding concomitant topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors until a predefined timepoint as rescue (borderline consensus); selection of sites and assessors with recognized expertise in AD clinical trials; clear definition and identification of baseline disease severity; minimizing time and proportion of patients on placebo; using daily emollients with several options provided; instigating open-label extension studies for enrolment after a predefined timepoint; and including outcomes which set a higher bar for disease clearance. CONCLUSION Conducting PCT in AD requires balancing several, sometimes opposing principles, including ethics, methodology, regulatory requirements and real-world needs. This paper can provide a framework for conducting PCT with systemic medications for patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y A Leshem
- Department of Dermatology, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | | | - C Paul
- Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
| | - J I Silverberg
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Preventive Medicine, and Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A D Irvine
- Pediatric Dermatology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.,National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.,Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A S Paller
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M J Cork
- Sheffield Dermatology Research Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Czarnowicki T, He H, Krueger JG, Guttman-Yassky E. Atopic dermatitis endotypes and implications for targeted therapeutics. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 143:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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48
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Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, van Laarhoven AIM, Veldhuijzen DS, Lavrijsen APM, Evers AWM. Effects of Open- and Closed-Label Nocebo and Placebo Suggestions on Itch and Itch Expectations. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:436. [PMID: 31293458 PMCID: PMC6598628 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Placebo and nocebo effects have been shown to influence subjective symptoms such as itch. These effects can be induced by influencing outcome expectations through, for example, combining the application of an inert substance (e.g., a cream) with verbal suggestions on the anticipated effects of this substance. Interestingly, placebo effects also occur when it is known that a treatment is inert (i.e., open-label placebo). However, no study to date has examined the efficacy of negative and positive verbal suggestions under similar open-label and closed-label (i.e., concealed placebo/nocebo) conditions in itch. A randomized controlled between-subjects study design was applied in which healthy volunteers (n = 92) were randomized to 1) an open-label positive verbal suggestion group, 2) a closed-label positive verbal suggestion group, 3) an open-label negative verbal suggestion group, or 4) a closed-label negative verbal suggestion group. Verbal suggestions were made regarding the topical application of an inert substance. Itch was evoked experimentally by histamine iontophoresis at baseline and again following suggestions. Itch expectations, self-reported itch during and following iontophoresis, and skin response parameters were measured. Positive suggestions were found to result in significantly lower expected itch than were negative suggestions in both open- and closed-label conditions. No effects of the suggestions on itch during iontophoresis were found, but significantly lower itch was reported in the 4 min following iontophoresis in the (combined open- and closed-label) positive compared with negative verbal suggestion groups. In addition, a smaller increase in skin temperature was found in the positive compared with negative suggestion groups. The findings illustrate a potential role of (open- and closed-label) placebo for optimizing expectations and treatment effects for itch in clinical practice. Clinical Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register, trial number: NTR6530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Antoinette I M van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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49
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Sagy I, Abres J, Winnick A, Jotkowitz A. Placebos in the era of open-label trials: An update for clinicians. Eur J Clin Invest 2019; 49:e13038. [PMID: 30316203 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Placebos have been used extensively by vast numbers of physicians, in a majority of clinical trials. Placebo effects involve behavioural, psychological and genetic factors and have been subject to ethical controversies stemming from the use of deception in treating patients. The patient-physician encounter, endogenous pharmacological pathways, personality traits and genetic diversity have all been reported to be key players in placebo responses. In the last decade, a new methodological paradigm of placebo research has emerged, using open-label placebos to investigate their effects which showed promising results for various common medical conditions. In this review, we will summarize the current body of evidence on placebos in clinical practice, with a view to open-label placebo trials in particular. It is our view that future larger-scale randomized blinded open placebo trials will benefit physicians and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iftach Sagy
- Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jonathan Abres
- Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ariel Winnick
- Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Alan Jotkowitz
- Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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50
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Lee SE, Lee JH, Kim HJ, Lee BJ, Cho SH, Price D, Morice AH, Song WJ. Inhaled Corticosteroids and Placebo Treatment Effects in Adult Patients With Cough: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2019; 11:856-870. [PMID: 31552720 PMCID: PMC6761077 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2019.11.6.856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are often considered an empirical therapy in the management of patients with cough. However, ICS responsiveness is difficult to interpret in daily clinical practice, as the improvements may include placebo effects or self-remission. We aimed to evaluate ICS and placebo treatment effects in adult patients with cough. METHODS Electronic databases were searched for studies published until June 2018, without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of ICSs compared with placebo in adult patients with cough were included. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the treatment effects. Therapeutic gain was calculated by subtracting the percentage change from baseline in the cough score in the ICS treatment group from that in the placebo treatment group. RESULTS A total of 9 studies were identified and 8 studies measuring cough severity outcomes were included for meta-analyses. Therapeutic gain from ICSs ranged from -5.0% to +94.6% across the studies included; however, it did not exceed +22%, except for an outlier reporting very high therapeutic gains (+45.6% to +94.6%, depending on outcomes). Overall ICS treatment effects in cough severity outcomes were small-to-moderate (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.54, -0.23), which were comparable between subacute and chronic coughs. However, pooled placebo treatment effects were very large in subacute cough (SMD, -2.58; 95% CI, -3.03, -2.1), and modest but significant in chronic cough (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI, -0.72, -0.21). CONCLUSIONS Overall therapeutic gain from ICSs is small-to-moderate. However, placebo treatment effects of ICS are large in subacute cough, and modest but still significant in chronic cough. These findings indicate the need for careful interpretation of ICS responsiveness in the management of cough patients in the clinic, and also for rigorous patient selection to identify ICS-responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Eun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ji Hyang Lee
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Airway Sensation and Cough Research Laboratory, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Jae Lee
- Division of Allergy, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Heon Cho
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - David Price
- Optimum Patient Care, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Alyn H Morice
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, Castle Hill Hospital, University of Hull, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Woo Jung Song
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Airway Sensation and Cough Research Laboratory, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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