抄録
Pruritus can be a distressing symptom, and previous research suggests that it is common in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the characteristics of pruritus and the skin condition in patients with HF have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the skin condition, characteristics of pruritus, and factors associated with pruritus in patients with HF to develop care strategies to alleviate their pruritus. This prospective observational study was conducted with 112 outpatients with HF in two hospitals in Japan from 2021 to 2022. Demographic and medical data, and the presence and degree of pruritus were assessed. The stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin surface pH, and sebum content on the forearm and lower leg were also measured. Data analysis consisted of a comparison of the two groups (with/without pruritus) and a logistic regression analysis with the presence or absence of pruritus as the objective variable. The skin of patients with HF (forearm, lower leg) was dry; SCH 35.9±9.1, 30.2±9.9 a.u., sebum content 0.4±0.7, 0.4±0.7 μg/cm2. The prevalence of pruritus was 57.1%, with mild to moderate severity and a mild adverse effect on daily life. However, approximately 10% of patients had severe pruritus with a strong adverse effect on daily life. The factors associated with pruritus were aspartate aminotransferase levels (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.17, p = 0.007) and moisturizer use (OR 6.50, 95% CI 1.01-41.59, p = 0.048). Skin care practices focusing on moisturization, and appropriate patient education, are necessary to prevent deterioration of the skin’s barrier function.
https://ror.org/04f4wg107 
