Pruritus in polycythaemia vera: prevalence, laboratory correlates and management.

A Tefferi, F Diehn

Journal: British journal of haematology 2002;115(3):619-21

PMID: 11736946

Full Text on Ovid Technologies, Inc. View on PubMed

Abstract

In a retrospective cohort, 192 (48%) out of 397 patients with polycythaemia vera had a documented history of pruritus. At diagnosis, the presence of pruritus was significantly associated with a lower mean corpuscular volume and a higher leucocyte count. Among 66 patients with documentation of treatment for pruritus, 389 'patient visits' were reviewed, revealing a significant correlation between active pruritus and low mean corpuscular volume, but not platelet, leucocyte or basophil count. Paroxetine and hydroxyzine were rated by patients to be the most effective drugs in controlling pruritus. These observations suggest a pathogenetic role for both iron deficiency and biogenic amines in polycythaemia vera-associated pruritus.

Address: Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2001.03161.x

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/itching.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Acute Disease, Erythrocyte Volume, Female, Humans, Leukocyte Count, Male, Middle Aged, Paroxetine, Patient Satisfaction, Polycythemia Vera, Prevalence, Pruritus, Retrospective Studies, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors