Ngoc Quan Phan

BACKGROUND: In prurigo nodularis (PN), an increase in the density of dermal substance P-positive (SP+) sensory nerve fibers has been demonstrated. In addition, the density of sympathetic nerve fibers is unchanged.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the density and balance of sensory and sympathetic dermal nerves in pruritus on normally appearing skin in comparison to PN.

METHODS: In a parallel investigation in lesional and non-lesional skin routine histological and immunofluorescence ...

BACKGROUND: Pruritus is a frequent symptom in many diseases; its prevalence in German adults is unknown.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the prevalence, severity and health care of chronic pruritus in the German working population.

METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in employees of 144 German companies. Pruritus-specific data were obtained by standardized questions.

RESULTS: 11,730 people (53.2% male, 16-70 years, mean = 43.7 years) were suitable for ...

BACKGROUND: Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) describes a rare form of itching occurring at the dorsolateral part of the forearms. Recent case reports suggest that BRP may be attributed to cervical lesions or spine neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the incidence of cervical spine changes in BRP and to correlate the localization of spinal lesions with the dermatomal presence of pruritus.

METHODS: Magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) of the cervical spinal cord, a chest x-ray, and a ...

BACKGROUND: The assessment of patient-relevant benefit is gaining importance in evaluating treatments. The 'Patient Benefit Index, standard version' questionnaire (PBI-S) is a validated instrument to assess patients' treatment needs and benefits in skin diseases. Before therapy, the patient rates the importance of predefined treatment goals; after therapy, he rates the extent to which these goals have been achieved. Thus far, no such instrument has been developed specifically for ...

During the past two decades, systemic μ-opioid receptor antagonists (MORA) have been used in the treatment of various forms of chronic pruritus. In a number of case reports, case series, and controlled trials, treatment with MORA has demonstrated considerable antipruritic effects. In double-blind controlled studies, significant antipruritic relief has been achieved by MORA in cholestatic pruritus, chronic urticaria, and atopic dermatitis. In case reports and case series, antipruritic ...

BACKGROUND: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a highly pruritic condition characterized by multiple hyperkeratotic nodules. Previous immunohistochemical studies demonstrated increased numbers of dermal nerve fibres.

OBJECTIVES: Given that the sensation of pruritus is transmitted mainly by thin, unmyelinated epidermal nerves, the aim of our study was to investigate the intraepidermal nerve fibre (IENF) density.

METHODS: Biopsies taken from lesional and nonlesional skin of 53 patients (37 women ...

BACKGROUND: Even though itch is a common syndrome of many diseases there is only little knowledge about sex and gender differences in pruritus, especially in central itch perception and modulation. To our knowledge, this is the first fMRI study examining sex differences in perception and its modulation by distraction.

METHODS: Experimental itch was induced by application of histamine (0.1 mM) via microdialysis fibers twice at the left forearm and twice at the left lower leg in 33 healthy ...

With a prevalence of 20%, chronic pruritus is a symptom of many diseases with major impact on healthcare costs. The lack of specific therapeutic measures makes the development of new drugs and their testing in clinical trials urgent. It is not possible to measure pruritus in an objective way. For these reasons, it is necessary to have a series of standardized measures to characterize pruritus in a reliable way. Intensity scales such as the visual analog scale (VAS) are most frequently ...

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia is a frequent adverse event in herpes zoster patients and difficult to treat. Conventional analgetic therapy often fails to reduce the burning pain transmitted by unmyelinated nerve fibers. These nerves express cannabinoid receptors which exert a role in modulation of nociceptive symptoms. Therefore, topical therapy with cannabinoid receptor agonist seems likely to suppress local burning pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an open-labeled trial, 8 patients ...

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of atopic dermatitis, pimecrolimus has high antipruritic effects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of 1% pimecrolimus cream in comparison to 1% hydrocortisone cream in non-atopic prurigo nodularis (PN).

METHODS: A randomized, controlled, double-blind study with intraindividual randomization was done in 30 patients (17 females, 13 males; mean age 58.5 years) with PN.

RESULTS: Pruritus intensity decreased significantly (p < 0.001) on both treated sides as ...

BACKGROUND: Aquagenic pruritus (AP) can be induced by systemic diseases. The distribution of underlying diseases in a representative patient collective has not been investigated. This retrospective study aimed to determine the frequency and pruritus-specific parameter of systemic diseases in a series of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 39 patients with AP (24 f, 15 m; mean age: f: 51.3 ± 20.1, m: 57.2 ± 15.0 years) were obtained and statistically evaluated as follows: demographic ...