Clinical Characteristics of Pruritus in Systemic Sclerosis Vary According to the Autoimmune Subtype

• Main Authors: Greta Gourier (Author), Chloé Théréné (Author), Margaux Mazeas (Author), Claire Abasq-Thomas (Author), Emilie Brenaut (Author), Flavien Huet (Author), Haitham Sonbol (Author), Elize Campillo (Author), Julie Lemerle (Author), Elisabeth Pasquier (Author), Emmanuelle Le Moigne (Author), Alain Saraux (Author), Valérie Devauchelle-Pensec (Author), Laurent Misery (Author), Yves Renaudineau (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Medical Journals Sweden, 2018-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Pruritus is a frequent symptom in systemic sclerosis (SSc), with a prevalence of 40-65%, but its pathophysiology is poorly understood. This study investigated the immunological component of pruritus. Fifty-six patients with SSc responded to a standardized questionnaire regarding both SSc disease and pruritus characteristics. Among patients with SSc, those with pruritus did not display a particular immunological profile (inflammatory, humoral, and/or cellular factors), but pruritus was, in most cases, concomitant with the development of SSc. Thus, pruritus characteristics were evaluated further, according to the detection of anti-centromere autoantibodies (ACA), into ACA+ (n = 17) and ACA- (n = 19). The ACA+ subgroup was characterized by a longer evolution of SSc and pruritus, pruritus present outside the sclerotic area, and a shorter daily duration of pruritus. In conclusion, the concomitant appearance of the 2 processes and the differences observed between ACA+ and ACA- subgroups support the presence of an immunological component in pruritus.

Item Description

0001-5555
1651-2057
10.2340/00015555-2980