title: [Pruritus associated with liver disease: propofol, a new therapeutic approach?].
abstract: Pruritus is a severe and troublesome symptom in patients with cholestasis and is often difficult to treat. Propofol was recently shown to be efficient in the treatment of pruritus secondary to spinal morphine administration. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, cross-over and placebo controlled study, 20 patients received 1 dose of propofol (15 mg) and 1 dose of Intralipid (1.5 mg) during a 2-day study period. Pruritus was assessed by a visual analogue scale from 0 (no pruritus) to 10 (most severe pruritus imaginable). Treatment success was defined as a decrease in pruritus of at least 4 points on the scale in 80% of the patients receiving propofol and in 15% of those receiving intralipid (p < 0.05). Discomfort on injection was observed in 15% under propofol treatment. In conclusion this study shows that subhypnotic doses of propofol are effective for the short-term symptomatic relief of pruritus associated with liver disease. At the dose administered, side effects were rare and minor.
authors.affiliation: Département d'anesthésie, Hôpital cantonal universitaire, Genève.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Borgeat
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mentha
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Savioz
authors.forename: O H
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Wilder-Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015742:Propofol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; D015742:Propofol
vernacular_title: Prurit associé à une hépatopathie: Propofol, une nouvelle approche thérapeutique?