Comparing Itch in Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: A Meta-Analysis
Description
Although psoriasis has anecdotally been perceived as less itchy than atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), previous studies have not directly compared this, nor the potential correlation between itch and disease response in clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review of phase 2/3 randomized controlled trials to compare baseline itch severity in psoriasis, AD, and CIU, using data from PubMed up to September 2022. 52 studies were included in the final analysis (33 AD, 15 psoriasis, 5 CIU). All itch scores were adjusted to a 100-point scale for comparison. Mean baseline itch scores and mean itch per body surface area scores were calculated across disease indications. Objective disease response and itch improvement were also calculated across AD and psoriasis trials according to different systemic therapies administered.