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Renkhold L, Wiegmann H, Pfleiderer B, Süer A, Zeidler C, Pereira MP, Schmelz M, Ständer S, Agelopoulos K. Scratching increases epidermal neuronal branching and alters psychophysical testing responses in atopic dermatitis and brachioradial pruritus. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1260345. [PMID: 37795274 PMCID: PMC10546039 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1260345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic scratching imposes a major stress on the skin and can lead to itch intensity worsening, and consequently, patients may enter an itch-scratch cycle. This repetitive mechanical stress can result in lichenification, worsening of epidermal barrier function, and enhanced cutaneous inflammation. Furthermore, a reduction of intraepidermal nerve fibers was previously described in lichenification. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of chronic scratching on the epidermal neuroanatomy and on sensory changes, in particular the prevalence of hyperknesis and alloknesis in patients after mechanical, chemical, and electrical stimuli. Methods Analyses were performed on pruritic lichenified (chronically scratched), pruritic non-lichenified (not chronically scratched), and non-pruritic non-lesional (unaffected) skin areas of patients with inflammatory pruritus, i.e., atopic dermatitis (n = 35), and neuropathic pruritus, i.e., brachioradial pruritus (n = 34) vs. healthy matched controls (n = 64). Our fine-grained spatial skin characterization enabled specifically studying the differential effects of chronic scratching in inflammatory and neuropathic itch. Results Analysis of intraepidermal nerve fiber density showed rarefaction of fibers in all three skin areas of patients compared with healthy controls in both diagnoses. Even more, the two pruritic areas had significantly less nerve fibers than the unaffected skin, whereas electrically induced itch was massively increased. Epidermal branching of the remaining nerve fibers in lichenified/chronically scratched skin was increased, particularly in patients with brachioradial pruritus, which may contribute to the pronounced local neuronal sensitivity. Hyperknesis and alloknesis were found to increase independently of lichenification. Conclusion Our results indicate that chronic scratching may not affect intraepidermal nerve fiber density but leads to a stronger branching pattern of intraepidermal nerve fibers, which may contribute to local hypersensitivity. The increased sensitivity in the pruritic areas suggests mechanisms of peripheral sensitization, whereas the increased sensation of electrically and chemically induced itch in unaffected skin indicates central sensitization for itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Renkhold
- Department of Dermatology and Centre for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Henning Wiegmann
- Department of Dermatology and Centre for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bettina Pfleiderer
- Clinic of Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Aysenur Süer
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Zeidler
- Department of Dermatology and Centre for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manuel P. Pereira
- Institute of Allergology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Allergology and Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, MCTN, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Centre for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Konstantin Agelopoulos
- Department of Dermatology and Centre for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Baka P, Birklein F. [Neuropathic pruritus-Evidence-based treatment recommendations]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:136-141. [PMID: 35951052 PMCID: PMC9898430 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pruritus is a previously neglected symptom of a wide range of neurological diseases. Peripheral nerve or root compression syndromes, space-occupying lesions of the central nervous system, chronic inflammatory neurological diseases and polyneuropathy can cause neuropathic pruritus. Even when the identification of the underlying neurological disease is successful, a direct causal treatment is not always possible, hence an effective symptomatic treatment remains the only therapeutic option. The purpose of this review article is to present the current literature on various therapeutic agents and options in the treatment of neuropathic pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panoraia Baka
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland.
| | - Frank Birklein
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland
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Mechanisms and therapeutic targets for neuropathic itch. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 75:102573. [PMID: 35689909 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pruritus conditions arise from structural and/or functional damage of the peripheral or central nervous system. Novel findings of pruritus specific mediators and pathways strengthen the specificity theory of pruritus transmission, however electrophysiological studies suggest that focal activation of nociceptors and distinct discharge patterns of primary afferents also contribute to the development of the sensation of pruritus. A complex interplay between excitatory and inhibitory interneurons at spinal level, non-neuronal cells and descending modulation from upper centers contributes to neuronal sensitization and clinically to the chronicity of pruritus, as well as accompanying phenomena such as alloknesis and hyperknesis. Several topical, systemic and non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches directed at distinct targets are currently available.
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Stefaniak AA, Agelopoulos K, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Mazur G, Ständer S, Szepietowski JC. Small-fibre Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Relationship with Diabetic Itch: Preliminary Results. Acta Derm Venereol 2022; 102:adv00719. [DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v102.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract is missing (Short communication)
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Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC. Itch in Adult Population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical Profile, Pathogenesis and Disease-Related Burden in a Cross-Sectional Study. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1332. [PMID: 34943248 PMCID: PMC8698455 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest in itch, data regarding itch in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are still limited, and mostly based on outdated studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of itch in the adult population with DM2 and explore potential underlying causes. METHODS The study group consisted of 109 adult patients with DM2. Standardized questionnaires were completed in order to assess the itch intensity [Numerical Rating Scale (three days, 24hours) (NRS)] and the Four-item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) and to assess the psychological impact of itch [ItchyQoL, Six-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)]. Skin dryness was evaluated clinically and by non-invasive assessment of epidermis moisturizing. Neuropathy was assessed using the clinical Katzenwadel neuropathy scale. RESULTS Itch occurred in 35.8% of adult patients with DM2, with NRSmax three days 6.31 ± 2.16 and 8.1 ± 3.5 points in 4IIQ. Itchy patients have had significantly higher FPG levels compared with the non-itchy population (p = 0.01). Patients with itch had a significantly higher possibility of neuropathy compared with non-itchy subjects (p < 0.01). Skin xerosis was significantly more advanced in patients with itch compared to those without (p < 0.01). The mean ItchyQol score was assessed as 41.2 ± 13.4 points, indicating mild life quality impairment and correlated positively with itch intensity. Itchy subjects had significantly higher scores in both anxiety and depression dimensions of HADS (in each p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the primary cause of itch is prolonged poor diabetes control with altered glucose and insulin levels, subsequently causing skin dryness and neuropathy in long-lasting DM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra A. Stefaniak
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.A.S.); (P.K.K.)
| | - Piotr K. Krajewski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.A.S.); (P.K.K.)
| | - Dorota Bednarska-Chabowska
- Department of Angiology, Hypertension and Diabetology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Marek Bolanowski
- Department and Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Isotope Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jacek C. Szepietowski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.A.S.); (P.K.K.)
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Akabane AL, Smith GP. Cutaneous manifestations of small fibre polyneuropathy. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 36:100-107. [PMID: 34592031 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because typical and atypical features of small fibre polyneuropathy (SFN) in the skin have not been fully elucidated, the diagnosis is often made by the exclusion of alternative conditions rather than by its identification as a primary syndrome. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to characterize dermatologic manifestations in patients with SFN. METHODS Large retrospective series of biopsy-proven SFN cases seen at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital (January 2000 to December 2019). RESULTS The majority of the 301 participants included presented with at least one cutaneous manifestation [292/301 (97%)]. Pain was most common with 254/301 (84.4%) perceiving this as occurring in the skin. It was frequently described as 'burning' [95/254 (37.4%)] and affected distal [174/254 (68.5%)] slightly more than proximal [111/254 (43.7%)] limbs. Numbness [182/301 (60.5%)], edema [61/301 (20.3%)] and skin colour changes [53/301 (17.6%)], which include redness [23/53 (43%)], also had predominant distal distribution. Characteristic loss of distal hair occurred among 17/29 (59%) those reporting hair loss. Other findings with classic limb involvement, Raynaud's phenomenon [33/301 (11%)] and erythromelalgia [26/301 (8.6%)] were seen. Itch [45/301 (15%)], mostly localized [22/45 (49%)] and localized eczematous dermatitis were also found. CONCLUSION SFN has a wide range of clinical features in which the skin is affected, with characteristic findings affecting the extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Akabane
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G P Smith
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Pereira MP, Wiegmann H, Agelopoulos K, Ständer S. Neuropathic Itch: Routes to Clinical Diagnosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:641746. [PMID: 33732722 PMCID: PMC7959783 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.641746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic itch occurs due to damage of neurons of the peripheral or central nervous system. Several entities, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, orthopedic, infectious, autoimmune, malignant, and iatrogenic conditions, may affect the somatosensory system and induce neuropathic itch. Due to the complex nature of neuropathic itch, particularly concerning its clinical presentation and possible etiological factors, diagnostic work-up of this condition is challenging. A detailed medical history, especially in regard to the itch, and a comprehensive physical examination are relevant to detect characteristic signs and symptoms of neuropathic itch and to rule out other possible causes for chronic itch. Complementary diagnostic exams, especially laboratory tests, determination of the intraepidermal nerve fiber density via a skin biopsy and radiological examinations may be indicated to confirm the diagnosis of neuropathic itch and to identify underlying etiological factors. Functional assessments such as quantitative sensory testing, nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials, or microneurography may be considered in particular cases. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic work-up recommended for patients with neuropathic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Pedro Pereira
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Henning Wiegmann
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Konstantin Agelopoulos
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Meixiong J, Dong X, Weng HJ. Neuropathic Itch. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102263. [PMID: 33050211 PMCID: PMC7601786 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurologic insults as varied as inflammation, stroke, and fibromyalgia elicit neuropathic pain and itch. Noxious sensation results when aberrantly increased afferent signaling reaches percept-forming cortical neurons and can occur due to increased sensory signaling, decreased inhibitory signaling, or a combination of both processes. To treat these symptoms, detailed knowledge of sensory transmission, from innervated end organ to cortex, is required. Molecular, genetic, and behavioral dissection of itch in animals and patients has improved understanding of the receptors, cells, and circuits involved. In this review, we will discuss neuropathic itch with a focus on the itch-specific circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Meixiong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Department of Dermatology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hao-Jui Weng
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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