High incidence of pruritus found among patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome may have a high incidence of pruritus that may negatively impact sleep and quality of life, according to recently presented data.

Researchers surveyed 20 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria, and underwent rheumatologic and dermatologic evaluations between February 2014 and March 2015. Patients had a mean age of 55 years and 17 were women. Patients were asked about chronic itching, and a questionnaire was completed by 18 patients who responded affirmatively.

Nine of the 18 patients reported chronic itch, and the mean duration of chronic itch reported was 56 months. The mean VAS score was 7.8 for the intensity of itch.

Six patients reported a favorable response to scratching, with a score of 2.4 on a Likert scale. Seven patients reported their chronic itch interfered with their sleep. The itch intensity was greatest at night and lowest in the morning, with the forearms and shins being most commonly affected.

Among patients with chronic itch, a trend toward increased xerosis severity was observed, but did not reach statistical significance. The quality of life score for patients with chronic itch was 55.8, with a significant correlation coefficient of 0.8 with the severity of itch.

Higher rheumatoid factor was more prevalent among patients who did not experience chronic pruritus, but no other serological markers, including antinuclear antibodies, anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies, were associated with pruritus. – by Shirley Pulawski

Reference:

Rowe B, et al. Paper #3527. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology 74th Annual Meeting; March 4-8, 2016; Washington, D.C.

Disclosure: Healio.com/Rheumatology was unable to determine whether the researchers have any relevant financial disclosures.

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