Reduced Descending Itch Inhibition in Peripheral Neuropathy Patients With Chronic Pruritus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Peripheral neuropathies (PNP) cause a wide range of symptoms of which pruritus and pain are a major burden to patients. Clarifying their mechanisms will facilitate the adequate symptom management. In contrast to neuropathic pain, neuropathic pruritus has long been understudied. We investigate inhibitory pruritus mechanisms in patients with PNP.

Methods

A total of 39 participants (median age: 57 years [27-81], 25♀/14♂), including 16 patients with PNP and pruritus (PNP_PRU) and 8 with PNP but without pruritus (PNP_NO-PRU), and 15 controls, were enrolled and phenotyped using dynamic and static quantitative sensory testing, determination of intradermal nerve fibre density, and conditioned pain (CPM) and itch (CIM) modulation. For CIM, an electrical

SUBMITTER: Eck J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12764315 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature