Burden of aquagenic pruritus in polycythaemia vera

Abstract

Aquagenic pruritus (AP) has a significant influence on quality of life (QoL) in patients with polycythaemia vera. This study analysed the impact of AP on patient well-being in 102 patients with polycythaemia vera. Intensity of pruritus was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS) and a 4-item Itch Questionnaire. Psychosocial aspects of AP were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EQ-5D and itch-specific QoL questionnaire (ItchyQoL). AP of mean duration 6.6 ±8.6 years and intensity 4.8 ±1.9 points (VAS) was present in 42/102 individuals. The prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with AP was 23.8% and 9.5%, respectively. Depression was more frequent in the AP group (vs. non-AP). Moreover, patients with AP had higher HADS-anxiety scoring than those without pruritus (p=0.005). A negative correlation was found between duration of AP and EQ-5D-VAS. The ItchyQol score of 37.3 ±12.3 points was influenced by the extent (p=0.01) and duration of episodes of AP (p=0.02). In conclusion, AP places an additional burden on patients with polycythaemia vera, negatively influencing their QoL.