Physicians Urged to Enhance Pruritus Management in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
A growing consensus among hepatologists highlights a critical need for improved identification and treatment of pruritus - debilitating itch – in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Despite significantly impacting quality of life,pruritus in PSC is frequently enough underrecognized and inadequately managed,leading to increased healthcare utilization and diminished patient well-being.
PSC, a chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of teh bile ducts, affects an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 individuals in the United states. Pruritus is a common symptom, affecting up to 70% of patients, and can occur at any stage of the disease. Current treatment options are limited and often ineffective, underscoring the urgency for a more nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms and development of targeted therapies. Experts emphasize that a proactive approach, incorporating thorough assessment and individualized management strategies, is essential to alleviate this distressing symptom and improve outcomes for PSC patients.
resources like PubMed, Clinical Guidance from Healio, and updates from the FDA provide physicians with the latest research and clinical recommendations for managing PSC and its associated symptoms. Healio’s daily news coverage delivers exclusive clinical data, keeping practitioners informed of emerging best practices.
To learn more about resources for PSC management, visit https://www.healio.com/.