Itch is the most common symptom of chronic dermatoses. Moreover, itch may be associated with systemic disorders. Chronic kidney disease—associated itch (CKD-aI) may affect up to 20% of renal transplant recipients (RTR). The aim of the study was to assess psychosocial burden of itch in RTR. The study was performed on a group of 129 RTR, out of which 54 (41.9%) experienced itch in the previous 3 days. A specially designed questionnaire assessing anxiety, depression, stigmatization, and quality of life was used. Results: Patients suffering from itch in the previous 3 days achieved significantly higher scores in GAD-7 (p < 0.001), BDI (p < 0.001), HADS total score (p < 0.001), HADS Depression (p = 0.004), and HADS Anxiety (p < 0.001). Severity of itch correlated positively with HADS, stigmatization scale, and GAD-7. Itch in RTR was associated with higher incidence of depression assessed with BDI (OR 3.7). Moreover, higher prevalence of anxiety was found among patients suffering from CKD-aI, assessed with HADS A and GAD-7 (OR 2.7 and OR 4.8, respectively) The results of our study clearly demonstrate that itch among RTR is a significant burden. Higher prevalence of depression and anxiety in this groups indicate the necessity of addressing itch relief as a part of holistic approach to patients after renal transplantation.

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Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder with a well-documented impact on quality of life (QoL). Due to the very distinctive features of HS the clinical picture, and lack of specific questions, generic dermatology QoL questionnaires cannot adequately reflect patients' suffering. Aim: To translate and validate the Polish version of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life 24 (HSQoL-24) questionnaire. Material and methods: The standardized translation process included forward and backward translation from the English version of the instrument. The final version was subsequently validated on a group of 30 HS patients, who completed the questionnaire twice. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and reproducibility of the results were also analysed. Results:The Polish version of HSQoL-24 showed excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.908. Moreover, excellent reproducibility of the results was observed, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.908. The HSQoL global score correlated positively with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HiSQoL) questionnaire. Conclusions:The Polish version of HSQoL-24 has excellent internal consistency, good reproducibility, and adequate validity. It may be of help in assessing QoL impairment in HS patients in daily practice and research.

is missing (Short communication)

Chronic itch (CI) is a common symptom caused by both dermatological and systemic disorders. CI is also a frequent, burdensome symptom among renal transplant recipients (RTR); however, its pathophysiology is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in concentration of IL-31 among itchy RTR. The study was performed on a group of selected 129 RTRs (54 itchy and 75 non-itchy patients). Itch severity was assessed with the use of the numeral rating scale (NRS) and the 4-item itch questionnaire (4IIQ). Every subject had his blood drawn to measure the concentration of IL-31. The results were subsequently compared and correlated. The mean concentration differed significantly between RTR suffering from itch (602.44 ± 534.5 pg/mL), non-itchy RTR (161.49 ± 106.61 pg/mL), and HC (110.33 ± 51.81 pg/mL) (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed a statistically significantly increased IL-31 serum concentration in itchy RTR in comparison to the non-itchy RTR group (p < 0.001) and HC (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in IL-31 serum levels between non-itchy RTRs and HC. No correlation between IL-31 and itch intensity was found. The results of our study clearly demonstrate the association between IL-31 levels and CI in patients after renal transplantation.