Abstract | INTRODUCTION: AIM: The assessment of the sensory threshold in AD and psoriasis in relation to pruritus experienced by patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 18 subjects with AD, 20 with psoriasis and 49 healthy controls were exposed to alternating current generated by the current source. A selected preset of current frequencies (ranging from 5 Hz to 2000 Hz) allowed a selective stimulation of different nerve endings (Aβ, Aδ and C-type). Pruritus severity was measured with visual analogue scale (VAS) and an itch questionnaire developed in house. All results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Sensory thresholds within the uninvolved skin of AD or psoriasis patients were significantly higher than in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001), and no significant differences were found between AD and psoriasis (p > 0.05). Similarly, sensory thresholds within the diseased skin of AD or psoriasis were significantly higher than in the normal skin (p < 0.01), and patients with psoriasis had also a significantly higher threshold than AD individuals (p < 0.05). The sensory threshold inversely correlated with pruritus severity in AD and psoriasis and the highest correlation was found for 5 Hz frequency predominantly stimulating C fibers (VAS: R = -0.32, p < 0.05; pruritus questionnaire: R = 0.54, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the sensory threshold may be a valuable tool for pruritus assessment, but further studies are still warranted.
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Authors | Magdalena Krzyżanowska, Katarzyna Muszer, Konrad Chabowski, Adam Reich |
Journal | Postepy dermatologii i alergologii
(Postepy Dermatol Alergol)
Vol. 32
Issue 2
Pg. 94-100
(Apr 2015)
ISSN: 1642-395X [Print] Poland |
PMID | 26015778
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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