In vivo imaging of patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin reveals partial sweat duct obstruction with partial itch resolution upon retinoid treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is poorly understood and lacks effective treatment options.

Objectives

We aimed to elucidate abnormalities in the sweat apparatus of patients with CPUO, and to assess efficacy and safety of treatment with systemic retinoids.

Methods

An initial case-control study included 20 affected patients and five healthy controls, for whom heat and sweating were induced, either through a standardized exercise protocol or ingestion of hot water. In vivo high-definition optical coherence tomography, whole-body starch-iodine testing, and skin biopsy for immunofluorescence staining were done to evaluate for sweat duct obstruction. A subsequent retrospective cohort analysis included 56 patients with CPUO, seen at an Itch subsp

SUBMITTER: Lim SYD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10556653 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature