Ondansetron for Pruritus Due to Cholestasis

Abstract

To the Editor: Pruritus is a common, often distressing symptom in patients with cholestatic disease of various malignant and nonmalignant origins. Its exact cause is poorly understood, and treatment is often unsatisfactory1. In August and September 1993, five patients (four men and one woman) were admitted to our hospital with severe pruritus. On a 10-point rating scale measuring subjective intensity (0 was no pruritus and 10 the worst pruritus imaginable), two patients each assigned values of 9 and 8 to their symptoms, and one a value of 7. Three of the patients had progressive liver metastases from renal, colorectal,. © 1994, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.