Lactase deficiency: a potential novel aetiological factor in chronic pruritus of unknown origin.

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.

• Authors: Sonja A Grundmann, Ewelina Stratmann, Randolf Brehler, Thomas A Luger, Sonja Ständer
• Journal: Acta dermato-venereologica (Acta Derm Venereol) Vol. 91 Issue 6 Pg. 698-703 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1651-2057 [Electronic] Sweden
• PMID: 21879247 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lactase
• Lactose

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Lactase (blood, deficiency)
• Lactose (metabolism)
• Lactose Intolerance (complications)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Pruritus (blood, diet therapy, etiology)
• Risk Factors
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult