[Pruritometer 1: Portable measuring system for quantifying scratching as an objective measure of cholestatic pruritus].

Abstract

Objective assessment of subjective symptoms such as pruritus always presents problems, which can often be resolved only indirectly. The objectification of pruritus was necessitated by a study on the efficacy of a serotonin antagonist used as treatment of cholestatic pruritus. In the present paper, a portable measuring system for the indirect objective assessment of pruritus via the quantification of scratching is described. A piezoelectric scratch-vibration sensor for attachment to the middle finger of the patient's dominant hand was developed. A sensor interface detects the scratching signals and generates pulses that are then summed in an adapted sports watch. The entire system-Pruritometer 1- is worn by the patient like a wrist watch, and is characterized by ease of handling. Acceptance by the patient is reported to be good. A statistically good correlation between measured (Pruritometer) and visually counted scratches was demonstrated. Pruritometer 2, which will enable scratch frequency and intensity distribution over time to be determined, is presently being developed.

• Authors: H Stein, M Bijak, E Heerd, W Mayr, C Müller, D Rafolt, G Schnetz, E Unger
• Journal: Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical engineering (Biomed Tech (Berl)) Vol. 41 Issue 9 Pg. 248-52 (Sep 1996) ISSN: 0013-5585 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Pruritometer 1: Portables Messsystem zur Quantifizierung des Kratzens als objektives Mass für den cholestatischen Pruritus.
• PMID: 8974469 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Serotonin Antagonists

Topics

• Cholestasis, Intrahepatic (classification, diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Equipment Design
• Humans
• Monitoring, Physiologic (instrumentation)
• Point-of-Care Systems
• Pruritus (classification, diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Serotonin Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted (instrumentation)
• User-Computer Interface
• Vibration