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Mini Review Open Access
Volume 6 | Issue 1 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.33696/Gastroenterology.6.063

Cholestatic Pruritus: Current Management Approach and Emerging Therapies – Mini Review

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
  • 2Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplant, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
+ Affiliations - Affiliations

Corresponding Author

Kidist K. Yimam, kidist.yimam@sutterhealth.org

Received Date: February 18, 2025

Accepted Date: May 19, 2025

Abstract

Cholestatic Pruritus is a phenomenon that occurs in disease processes that impair bile flow. This condition poses significant challenges to quality of life and is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. While the direct cause of cholestatic pruritus remains unclear, it likely involves a complex interplay between multiple biochemical pathways. Due to recent advances in diagnostic tools, more biochemical pathways of cholestatic pruritis have been discovered. As a result, exciting new therapies such as the Ileal Bile Acid Transporter (IBAT) inhibitors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists are emerging as effective therapies. In this article, we provide a brief biochemical summary of the various pathways as candidate causes of cholestatic pruritus and examine the evidence behind each of the current available therapeutic options. Additionally, we will discuss emerging therapies and examine the evidence behind their use. Finally, we will provide our recommended stepwise approach to treating a patient with cholestatic pruritus in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Keywords

Cholestatic Pruritus, Management, Emerging therapies

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