Cholestatic Pruritus: Pathophysiology, Current Management Approach, and Emerging Therapies

This article aims to illustrate the burden of cholestatic pruritus, review the proposed mechanisms, and summarize its available and emerging therapies.Recent FindingsPruritus is experienced by many patients with cholestatic liver diseases. It is underdiagnosed and negatively impacts patients ’ quality of life. Its direct cause remains unclear though multiple pathways have been explored. Current therapies are insufficient but newly approved ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitors and emerging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists are promising.SummaryCholestatic pruritus affects many patients with cholestatic liver diseases and can be debilitating. In moderate to severe cases, current guidelines provide treatment options that are ineffective. Emerging agents such as IBAT inhibitors and PPAR agonists should be considered, including referral to clinical trials. Further exploration into the pathophysiology and effective therapeutic agents is needed.
Source: Current Hepatitis Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research