Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40560091›Full record

ArticleJournal of the peripheral nervous system : JPNS2025

Where Does It All Itch? Exploring the Characteristics of Pruritus in Small Fiber Neuropathy.

Dennis Kool, Janneke G J Hoeijmakers, Catharina G Faber, Ingemar S J Merkies

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of the peripheral nervous system : JPNS, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Dennis KoolMental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5385-7575
Janneke G J HoeijmakersMental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6940-0027
Catharina G FaberMental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Ingemar S J MerkiesMental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Funding

Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds W.TR22-01
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChronic itch, or pruritus, is a common discomfort of the skin. Chronic itch has been described as a symptom of small fiber neuropathy (SFN), a disorder affecting the small myelinated Aδ- and unmyelinated C-fibers. While prior studies report itch rates in SFN ranging from 63%-68%, a distinct pattern has not been identified.

aimThis study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of itch in a large cohort of SFN patients.

methodsBetween May 2016 and August 2022, 1415 patients filled out an exploratory questionnaire about characteristics of their itch symptoms. 83% were diagnosed with SFN based on the Besta criteria.

resultsItch was reported in 66% of SFN patients, mainly experienced as tickling, prickling, and tingling sensations. Itch was most common in the evening, with 98% reporting continuous or episodic symptoms during this time. The itch was predominantly localized to the distal extremities, especially the lower legs and feet (over 50% of patients), with additional reports on the back (25%) and face (27%). Unlike the typical stocking-glove distribution seen with neuropathic pain, itch showed a slightly more proximal locus. SFN patients were more likely to report itching in the hands and feet than non-SFN patients.

interpretationThis study reveals that itch in SFN is a frequent, heterogeneous symptom that may differ from neuropathic pain in its distribution. Itch, particularly in the hands and feet, may provide diagnostic guidance and suggest SFN as a potential diagnosis. This finding warrants further research on itch mechanisms and its diagnostic value in SFN.

Indexed as

PruritusSmall Fiber NeuropathyAdultAgedAged, 80 and overCohort StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle Ageditchpruritussmall fiber neuropathy

Identifiers

PMID40560091
PMCPMC12189171

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.