Purpose of Review
Pruritus in cholestatic liver disease is commonly encountered and difficult to eradicate. It has a major impact on quality of life and thus is important to address. This article reviews current and future treatment options for cholestatic pruritus.
Recent Findings
In the last 5 years, the pathogenesis of cholestatic itch has been further clarified via studies of serum autotaxin, which correlates with severity of symptoms and decrease in patients on therapy. New medications under development include apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporters (maralixibat, GSK2330672), fibrates (bezafibrate), and κ-opioid receptor agonists (nalfurafine hydrochloride).
Summary
While many treatments are available to treat this vexing condition, data to support consistent and dramatic improvement with any one medication is lacking. However, with so many options and several new medications under investigation in clinical trials, symptom relief is an achievable goal for many patients.