naloxone and Scleroderma--Systemic

Pruritus is a common symptom in patients with systemic sclerosis and has a tremendous effect on the quality of life. Nevertheless, current therapeutic options are limited. The pathogenesis of pruritus in systemic sclerosis is not completely understood; however, opiate-mediated neurotransmission has been postulated to be involved.. We describe 4 female patients with systemic sclerosis suffering from severe pruritus, with an average 5D-itch score of 22.75.. Low-dose oral naloxone was initiated, followed by a significant improvement in the level of pruritus, reaching an average 5D-itch score of 7.5, after 6 and 12 months of treatment. None of the patients experienced side effects.. Low-dose naloxone plays an important role in the management of pruritus in systemic sclerosis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analgesics, Opioid; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Naloxone; Pruritus; Quality of Life; Scleroderma, Systemic

Topics: Aged; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Female; Foot Ulcer; Humans; Iloprost; Naloxone; Nifedipine; Oxycodone; Rivaroxaban; Scleroderma, Systemic; Vasodilator Agents

Digital ulcers (DUs) are a severe and frequent clinical feature of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The presence of DUs may cause severe pain and often lead to impairment of patient's functional activities and health-related quality of life. Moreover, poor patient cooperation during the wound care procedure due to pain may be associated with a negative outcome of DU healing. Therefore, pain management has a key role in patients with SSc. These two case reports describe the effectiveness and safety of oxycodone/naloxone in patients with SSc complicated by painful chronic DUs. Such a therapy has provided pain relief and consequently an increased compliance during redressing wounds.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged; Analgesics, Opioid; Chronic Pain; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fingers; Humans; Middle Aged; Naloxone; Oxycodone; Pain Management; Quality of Life; Scleroderma, Systemic; Skin Ulcer; Wound Healing