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The aim of this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, phase-II study was to determine the antipruritic effect of aprepitant vs. placebo in 58 patients with anti-histamine-refractory chronic pruritus in chronic nodular prurigo. Patients were randomized to receive either first oral aprepitant 80 mg/day or placebo for 4 weeks. Following a 2-week wash-out phase, the patients were crossedover to receive the other treatment for 4 weeks. Primary efficacy criterion was the intra-individual difference between mean itch intensity (visual analogue scale) at baseline compared with the end of treatment period. Prurigo lesions, pruritus course, quality of life, patient benefits, and safety were secondary parameters. No significant differences were found between aprepitant treatment and placebo for any of the parameters investigated. Under the experimental conditions of the study, aprepitant, 80 mg daily for 4 weeks, did not have an antipruritic effect in patients with chronic prurigo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve diagnosis and treatment, physicians require information about the social context and quality of life of their patients. The Center for Chronic Pruritus at the University Hospital Münster achieves this goal using the electronic patient-reported outcome system "Mobile Patient Survey", which assesses pruritus and quality of life measures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the consistency and reliability of such measures. A total of 42 patients, age range 19-82 years, participated in the study and were asked to assess the measures at baseline via a paper questionnaire, and to use the "Mobile Patient Survey" at baseline and after 1 h in order to test reliability. Statistical analysis was performed using coefficient rc for metric variables and weighted kappa κw for categorical vari- ables. The internal consistency of all measures was unaffected. It was shown that 6 out of 7 measures can be assessed without loss of reliability. It is recommended that questionnaires for electronic usage are assessed for validity and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]