Fibrates for itch (FITCH) in fibrosing cholangiopathies: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Pruritus may seriously impair quality of life in patients with cholestatic diseases such as primary or secondary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC, SSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Pharmacological strategies show limited efficacy and can provoke serious side effects. We hypothesized that bezafibrate, a broad peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, relieves cholestasis-associated itch by alleviating hepatobiliary injury. The aim of this investigator-initiated FITCH trial ( “Fibrates for cholestatic ITCH”) was to assess effects of bezafibrate on pruritus in patients with PSC, PBC and SSC.

Source: Gastroenterology - October 4, 2020 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Elsemieke de Vries, Ruth Bolier, Jorn Goet, Albert Par és, Jef Verbeek, Marleen de Vree, Joost Drenth, Karel van Erpecum, Karin van Nieuwkerk, Frans van der Heide, Nahid Mostafavi, Jeltje Helder, Cyriel Ponsioen, Ronald Oude Elferink, Henk van Buuren, Ul Source Type: research