Establishment of a Patient Library in Patients With Pruritus Sine Materia
If you experience chronic itching without a clear cause, this study wants to learn from your experience. Very little is currently known about why some people have long-lasting itch. By collecting blood, skin swab, and skin biopsy samples, along with information from questionnaires, researchers hope to build a detailed picture of the different types of itching. This 'library' of information will help medical professionals better understand the underlying causes of chronic itch, leading to improved ways of diagnosing and treating this often distressing condition. Your participation could significantly contribute to advancing our knowledge in this important area.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is about understanding a type of long-lasting itch called 'pruritus sine materia'. This simply means itching that doesn't have an obvious cause, like a rash or a skin condition. For many people, chronic itching can be very uncomfortable and affect their daily lives, but doctors don't always know why it happens.
The main goal is to create a 'patient library' of information. This means collecting different types of samples and details from people experiencing this kind of itch. By gathering blood samples, skin swabs (gently rubbing the skin surface), and small skin biopsies (a tiny piece of skin taken for examination), along with answers to questionnaires about your itching and health, researchers hope to see if there are patterns. These patterns could help explain why certain people itch and what might be happening inside their bodies.
This kind of research is really important because it helps improve our understanding of conditions that are currently a bit mysterious. By creating this detailed collection of information, scientists and doctors can learn more about the different reasons people experience chronic itch. This knowledge can then lead to better ways of diagnosing people more accurately and developing new, more effective treatments in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to understand chronic itching without a clear cause.
- It involves initial collection of blood, skin samples, and questionnaires.
- Follow-up for 5 years will involve questionnaires only.
- Participation helps build a 'library' of information for future solutions.
- You must be an adult (18-99 years old) with this type of itching.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or older, up to 99 years old. The most important requirement is that you have been diagnosed with 'pruritus sine materia' – meaning you have ongoing itching without a clear cause.
You also need to be willing to give your informed consent, which means you understand what the study involves and agree to participate voluntarily.
If you decide you don't want to be part of the study, or you change your mind at any point, you cannot participate or can withdraw. This research is open to everyone, regardless of whether you are male or female.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am 18 years old or older.
- I have been told by a doctor that I have ongoing itching without a clear cause (pruritus sine materia).
- I am willing to participate in the study.
- I am comfortable providing blood and skin samples once.
- I am willing to complete questionnaires over a 5.5-year period.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, your initial visit will involve several steps. You'll have approximately 52.5 ml of blood taken, which is about 3-4 tablespoons. You will also have a small skin biopsy, where a tiny piece of skin is removed, and a skin swab, which is a gentle rub on the skin surface to collect cells. You'll also be asked to fill out five questionnaires that ask about your health and your itching experience.
After this first visit, you will have follow-up appointments. Six months later, you'll be asked to complete the same five questionnaires again, and we'll collect updated information about your health. This will then be repeated once a year for the next five years. During these follow-up visits, no additional blood or skin samples will be taken – only the questionnaires and health updates. The total duration of your participation in the study will be five and a half years.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Service de dermatologie, CHRU BRESTVerified postcodeBrest, France
Common questions
What is 'pruritus sine materia'?
It's a medical term for long-lasting itching that doesn't have an obvious cause like a rash or an allergy.
Will I receive any new treatment as part of this study?
No, this study is observational, meaning we are gathering information and samples, not testing new treatments.
How much blood will be taken?
About 52.5 ml of blood will be taken at your first visit, which is roughly 3-4 tablespoons. No more blood will be taken after that.
Will I have to give samples at every visit?
No, blood, skin swab, and skin biopsy samples are only taken at your very first visit. For follow-up visits, you'll only complete questionnaires and provide health updates.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Laurent MISERY
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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