Shivani B Kaushik1, Felipe B Cerci1, Jill Miracle2, Achyut Pokharel1, Suephy C Chen3, Yiong Huak Chan4, Aimee Wilkin2, Gil Yosipovitch5. 1. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston Salem. 2. Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston Salem. 3. Division of Dermatology, Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta; Department of Dermatology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta. 4. Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore. 5. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston Salem. Electronic address: Gil.Yosipovitch@tuhs.temple.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of chronic pruritus in HIV-positive patients is an underevaluated topic in the United States. The characteristics, severity, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with HIV and chronic pruritus have not been well documented using validated tools. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the prevalence and intensity of chronic pruritus and its effect on QOL in HIV-positive patients in a US population. METHODS: HIV-positive patients (n = 201) were asked to complete a sociodemographic data form and 2 itch questionnaires. Patients with itching rated their itch intensity on a numeric visual analog scale. Laboratory parameters were obtained from patients' medical records. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic itch in the study group was 45% with an average visual analog scale score of 5.93 during an itch episode. Patients with high visual analog scale score had significantly decreased QOL. Patients with HIV reported greater negative impact of pruritus on daily lives. LIMITATIONS: Because of the cross-sectional design, this study demonstrates an association between HIV and pruritus but cannot prove causation. CONCLUSION: Patients with HIV surveyed in a large clinic in the southeastern United States have a high prevalence of pruritus; HIV pruritus has a significant effect on QOL and itch is the most common skin manifestation found in this population.
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of chronic pruritus in HIV-positivepatients is an underevaluated topic in the United States. The characteristics, severity, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with HIV and chronic pruritus have not been well documented using validated tools. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the prevalence and intensity of chronic pruritus and its effect on QOL in HIV-positivepatients in a US population. METHODS:HIV-positivepatients (n = 201) were asked to complete a sociodemographic data form and 2 itch questionnaires. Patients with itching rated their itch intensity on a numeric visual analog scale. Laboratory parameters were obtained from patients' medical records. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic itch in the study group was 45% with an average visual analog scale score of 5.93 during an itch episode. Patients with high visual analog scale score had significantly decreased QOL. Patients with HIV reported greater negative impact of pruritus on daily lives. LIMITATIONS: Because of the cross-sectional design, this study demonstrates an association between HIV and pruritus but cannot prove causation. CONCLUSION:Patients with HIV surveyed in a large clinic in the southeastern United States have a high prevalence of pruritus; HIV pruritus has a significant effect on QOL and itch is the most common skin manifestation found in this population.
Authors: Piotr K Krajewski; Kinga Tyczyńska; Klaudia Bardowska; Piotr Olczyk; Magdalena Krajewska; Jacek C Szepietowski Journal: Toxins (Basel) Date: 2022-04-30 Impact factor: 5.075