Update on the treatment of the pruritus of cholestasis
Bergasa, N.V.
Clinics in Liver Disease 12(1): 219-34 X
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1089-3261 PMID: 18242506 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2007.11.009
Accession: 056777480
The pruritus of cholestasis is a difficult clinical problem to manage. It can be severe and interfere with sleep. Clinical behavioral studies have confirmed that the pruritus is mediated at least in part by endogenous opioids. Other neurotransmitter systems may be involved in the mediation of pruritus. Work continues to identify the mechanisms that mediate the pruritus and to develop specific drugs to treat this often maddening symptom.