Efficacy of photochemotherapy on severe pruritus in polycythemia vera

Ann Hematol. 1996 Aug;73(2):91-3. doi: 10.1007/s002770050207.

Abstract

Pruritus may cause severe chronic discomfort to PV patients. Most of the usual treatments are not at all or only weakly efficient. Photochemotherapy using psoralen and ultraviolet A light may largely improve the clinical symptom of intractable itching, as observed in ten of the 11 cases presented, but maintenance therapy is generally necessary. The treatment may then improve the patient's quality of life.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methoxsalen / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Polycythemia Vera / complications*
  • Pruritus / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Quality of Life
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Methoxsalen