Abstract | IMPORTANCE:
Pruritus is a common problem among elderly people and, when severe, causes as much discomfort as chronic pain. Little evidence supports pruritus treatment, limiting therapeutic possibilities and resulting in challenging management problems. OBJECTIVES: To present the evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pruritus in the elderly and, using the best available evidence, provide an approach for generalist physicians caring for older patients with pruritus. EVIDENCE REVIEW: PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched (1946-August 2013).The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Systematic Review Data Repository were also searched from their inception to August 2013. References from retrieved articles were evaluated. FINDINGS: CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: It is important to evaluate elderly patients for dermatological, systemic, and neurological etiologies of itch. A simple-to-apply diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm can be used. Xerosis, drug reactions, and neuropathy should be considered when evaluating pruritus.
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Authors | Timothy G Berger, Melissa Shive, G Michael Harper |
Journal | JAMA
(JAMA)
Vol. 310
Issue 22
Pg. 2443-50
(Dec 11 2013)
ISSN: 1538-3598 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 24327039
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review, Systematic Review)
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Topics |
- Aged
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Drug Eruptions
(complications)
- Humans
- Ichthyosis
(complications)
- Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
(complications)
- Pruritus
(diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
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