1. Lactase Deficiency: A Potential Novel Aetiological Factor in Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin.
- Author
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Grundmann, Sonja A., Stratmann, Ewelina, Brehler, Randolf, Luger, Thomas A., and Ständer, Sonja
- Subjects
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ITCHING , *LACTOSE intolerance , *DIET , *ETIOLOGY of diseases , *DERMATOLOGY - Abstract
Chronic pruritus, which is associated with a wide variety of underlying diseases, represents a challenge in diagnostics and treatment in dermatology and general medicine. The cause of pruritus remains unknown in up to 45% of patients. In this study, 718 patients with chronic pruritus were analysed concerning lactase deficiency, demographic data, aetiology, duration and intensity of pruritus. A total of 154 patients were tested positive for lactase deficiency and 38.3% showed a significant anti-pruritic response to a lactose-free diet (minimum 4 weeks). The best results were observed in patients with pruritus of mixed or unknown origin (n = 91; 64% response). Age, sex, localization or duration had no significant influence on the anti-pruritic effect of a lactose-free diet. Lactase deficiency might be an independent causal factor in the elicitation of chronic pruritus. Thus, screening for lactase deficiency represents a rational step in the diagnostic work-up of chronic pruritus. In case of a positive test result, a lactose-free diet offers a low-cost, efficient and specific therapy in patients with chronic pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
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