Does continuous subcutaneous infusion of lignocaine relieve intractable pruritus associated with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma? A retrospective case series review.

Does continuous subcutaneous infusion of lignocaine relieve intractable pruritus associated with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma? A retrospective case series review. Palliat Med. 2019 Feb 04;:269216319828189 Authors: Norris J, Barker J, Buelens O, Spruijt O Abstract BACKGROUND:: Intractable pruritus affects an estimated 83% of patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Palliative care strategies to improve outcomes for these patients are lacking. Lignocaine antagonises kappa opioid antagonist-induced scratching in mice models and may relieve cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-pruritus. PRACTICE CHALLENGE:: The aim of this retrospective case series was to evaluate our clinical experience with low-dose continuous subcutaneous infusion lignocaine for intractable pruritus associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, from 2000 to 2015. The study received approval from Retrospective Review Panel, Division Cancer Medicine, 12 October 2015, V1.1. METHOD:: Baseline demographics including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma diagnosis and management, comorbidities, and pruritus-related evaluation including onset, severity, past and current therapies were collected. Response categories (Complete, Partial, No, Unknown) were devised for the study, based on severity of pruritus, impact on sleep and mood. The mean of responses was calculated for each patient and across the series. OUTCOME:: Nineteen patients received continuous subcutan...
Source: Palliative Medicine - Category: Palliative Care Authors: Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research