Background
Pruritus is not themost prevalent but one of themost puzzling symptoms in palliative care patients. It can cause considerable discomfort
and has a major impact on patients’ quality of life. In the field of palliative care, pruritus is a symptom occurring in patients with
disparate underlying diseases and based on different pathologic mechanisms but ending in the same phenomenon. The pathogenesis
of pruritus is complex and not fully elucidated. Thus, it is still very difficult to treat pruritus effectively. Evidence-based treatment
approaches are needed.
Objectives
The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of different pharmacological treatments for preventing or treating pruritus in adult palliative
care patients.
Search methods
A systematic literature search up to January 2012 was performed and it was updated in August 2012. The following databases were
searched: TheCochrane Library (CENTRAL,DARE,CDSR) (2012, issue 8 of 12);MEDLINE (1950 to August 2012); EMBASE (1980
to August 2012) and three other databases. In addition, we searched trials registries and checked the reference lists of all relevant studies,
key textbooks, reviews, and websites, and contacted investigators and specialists in pruritus and palliative care regarding unpublished
data.
Selection criteria
We included randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of different pharmacological treatments on preventing or treating pruritus
in palliative care patients.