The short‐term effect of levocetirizine on quality of life, stress, and depression in itchy psoriasis patients
Abstract
Dear Editor Itch is the most common and bothersome symptom in psoriasis (Mueller et al., 2019; Reich & Szepietowski, 2014) often leading to impaired quality of life, stress, depression, and anxiety (Globe, Bayliss, & Harrison, 2009; Kini et al., 2011; Reich, Hrehorów, & Szepietowski, 2010). There is increasing evidence that mast cells are involved both in psoriatic inflammation and itch as a source of histamine, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22,23, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and other mediators (Brembilla, Stalder, Senra, & Boehncke, 2017; Harvima, Nilsson, Suttle, & Naukkarinen, 2008; Mashiko et al., 2015). However, very little is known about the effect of antihistamines in psoriasis patients with itch. In an open-label, investigator-driven pilot study it was demonstrated that levocetirizine, a second-generation histamine 1 (H1)-antagonist, effectively reduced itch and improved itch-related quality of life in such patients within 5 days ((Mueller et al., 2019). This study aimed to assess the effect of levocetirizine on dermatology-related quality of life, global level of functioning, stress, depression, and anxiety in psoriasis patients. Patients with moderate to severe itch (>5 on the 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale, NRS) completed questionnaires addressing itch intensity (0–10 Worst Itch Numerical Rating Scale, WNRS in the past 24 hr), dermatology-related quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index, DLQI), global level of functioning (Global Assessment of Functioning,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 32 participants or records.
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