Pruritus after haes infusionsL29.8

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Pruritus after hydroxyethyl starch infusions

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Severe and steady pruritus, which begins 6-8 weeks after infusion therapy with hydroxyethyl starch Duration: up to 2 years. The intensity of itching depends on the dose of hydroxyethyl starch applied. Usually there is no skin finding.

Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.

In up to 40% of patients, especially in atopic diathesis.

EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.

It is unclear, but there is a discussion about a longer-term storage of HAES in the reticuloendothelial system.

External therapyThis section has been translated automatically.

Causal therapies are not known. The external therapy approaches are generally not very successful. Cooling ointments containing water, shaking mixtures, creams or gels with additions of menthol (menthol-cream 5%) and polidocanol ( R200, R197, Optiderm) are able to slightly reduce itching. Cold showering can also temporarily reduce itching. The efficacy of creams containing nicotinic acid (e.g. Nicodan N or as a formulation(propyl nicotinate ointment 0.1%) has also been reported.

Internal therapyThis section has been translated automatically.

No response to glucocorticoids and most antihistamines! Successes with hydroxyzin (Atarax) 3 times/day 25 mg, paracetamol 1-2 g/day in 3-4 ED, naltrexone (nemexin) 50 mg/day p.o. are described.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Bork,K (2005) Pruritus precipitated by hydroxyethyl starch: a review. Br J Dermatol 152: 3-12
  2. Hermann J et al (1990) Diagnosis and therapy of persistent pruritus after infusion of hydroxyethyl starch (HÄS). Act Dermatol 16: 166-167
  3. Murphy M et al (2001) The incidence of hydroxyethyl starch-associated pruritus. Br J Dermatol 144: 973-976

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020