Efficacy and Safety of Sertraline in Treating Pruritus in Liver Disease Patients: Case Reference Study

Background: One of the common clinical manifestations in patients with chronic liver disease is the symptom of pruritus which has been reported in about 80 to 100 %. In a subset of patients, nearly 10 to 20 %, the symptom becomes refractory and can lead to depression, inability to sleep, and even suicidal attempts. Aim of the study: The aim of the current study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of sertraline in treatment of pruritus associating chronic liver disease, diabetes mellitus, and atopic dermatitis. Patients and methods: Sertraline was given at dose (75-100 mg/day) to all enrolled patients for 12 weeks. During this period patients were followed up for side effects. Results: The highest rate was seen in chronic liver disease, patients followed by diabetes mellitus, and then by atopic dermatitis. Comparison of rate of satisfactory response among the study groups revealed no significant difference between chronic liver disease group and diabetes mellitus group (p = 0.643). Whereas, the rate was significantly higher in patients with chronic liver disease in comparison with control group (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Sertraline is an efficient and safe pharmacological agent for relief of pruritus not only in patients with chronic liver disease, in whom it has the best rate of satisfactory response, but also in other disorders such as diabetes mellitus and to a lesser extent atopic dermatitis.