Itch in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

• Published in: Dermatology and therapy 2020-08, Vol.10 (4), p.745-756
• Main Authors: Stefaniak, Aleksandra A., Zubkiewicz-Kucharska, Agnieszka, Matusiak, Łukasz, Noczyńska, Anna, Szepietowski, Jacek C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dermatology; Internal Medicine; Itch; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Original Research; Plastic Surgery; Pruritus; Quality of Life Research; Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• ISSN: 2193-8210; 2190-9172
• DOI: 10.1007/s13555-020-00403-w

Introduction Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is reported to be one of the most common medical conditions in school-age youth and is ranked third in the prevalence of pediatric conditions. Only a few studies have investigated the occurrence of itch in diabetes mellitus, reporting conflicting data. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of itch in T1D to provide itch characteristics and to explore the potential underlying causes. Methods This prospective study evaluated itch among 100 children with T1D. Itch intensity was assessed with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ). The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was implemented to assess the quality of life issues. Various clinical features and factors influencing itch were also examined. Skin dryness was evaluated clinically by non-invasive assessment of epidermis moisturizing. Results Itch occurred in 22% of children with T1D with the mean maximal intensity of 5.9 ± 3.0 points in NRS and 6.7 ± 3.5 points in 4IIQ (median, 5.5 points). In the majority of patients, the itch was limited to a few regions of the body; usually, the upper limbs (68.2%) were affected, followed by the lower limbs (50%) and the trunk (31.8%). Clinically examined skin xerosis was significantly more advanced in children with itch compared with those without itch ( p