Cholestatic pruritus

Cholestatic pruritus
Synonyms	Itch due to cholestasis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Itching, Jaundice, Fatigue
Complications	Sleep disturbance, Depression
Onset	Variable, often with liver disease
Duration	Chronic, can persist until underlying condition is treated
Types	N/A
Causes	Cholestasis, Primary biliary cholangitis, Primary sclerosing cholangitis, Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Risks	Liver disease, Pregnancy, Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, Liver function tests, Imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Dermatological conditions, Systemic diseases
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Ursodeoxycholic acid, Cholestyramine, Rifampicin, Naltrexone, Sertraline
Medication	Antihistamines, Bile acid sequestrants, Opioid antagonists
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in liver disease patients
Deaths	N/A

Cholestatic pruritus is a condition characterized by severe itching as a result of cholestasis, a condition where bile cannot flow from the liver to the duodenum. The pruritus, or itch, associated with cholestatic pruritus can be severe and may cause significant discomfort and distress.

Causes

Cholestatic pruritus is caused by cholestasis, a condition where bile, a substance produced by the liver to help digest fats, cannot flow from the liver to the duodenum. This can be due to a blockage in the bile ducts or a problem with the liver itself. Conditions that can cause cholestasis and subsequently cholestatic pruritus include primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and certain medications.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of cholestatic pruritus is severe itching, which can be generalized or localized. Other symptoms can include jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and fatigue.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cholestatic pruritus involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as blood tests to check liver function and imaging studies to look for blockages in the bile ducts.

Treatment

Treatment for cholestatic pruritus focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the cholestasis. This can involve medication to improve bile flow, treating the underlying liver disease, or in some cases, surgery to relieve a blocked bile duct.

See also

• Cholestasis
• Pruritus
• Liver disease
• Bile duct