118 High unmet medical need in brachioradial pruritus: results from a large patient survey

Abstract

A patient survey that aimed to best identify the unmet needs in brachioradial pruritus (BRP) was conducted from 10/2021 to 04/2022 in English online. The survey, created in collaboration with BRP patients and experts in BRP, included 36 questions focusing on the most significant elements of living with BRP: journey to diagnosis, severity and frequency of symptoms, treatment history, and impact on quality of life. 545 anonymous respondents worldwide participated in the survey, with 322 having reported a confirmed BRP diagnosis by a physician. The majority of patients were 50-69 years old (62%), female (94%), and in the US (74%). Data showed it took at least three years since first experiencing BRP symptoms for 43% of patients to receive a correct diagnosis, and 52% visited at least three different physicians before the diagnosis was made. Misdiagnosis [other diagnoses prior to final diagnosis of BRP] was common (in 39%). Most (85%) patients had severe itch (itch score ≥7) in their last episode, and 88% had visible scratch marks or bleeding. 78% suffer from itch at least three months per year, of which 28% suffer for over nine months per year. Patients often tried several drug treatments (mean >4) for itch, with the most helpful receiving only 21% of responses. Sleep quality is highly affected in 77% of patients, and 71% use ice packs at night. For the vast majority (92%), their itch frustrates them often or all the time. These data show that a substantial proportion of BRP patients endure a difficult path to diagnosis, suffer from severe itch for the majority of the year, lack a clear treatment option, and experience a highly negative impact on their quality of life. These results emphasize the need to increase awareness of BRP, address patients’ unmet needs, and develop effective treatments for BRP.