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Pruritus is a common and occasionally severe complication of polycythemia vera and other myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs); it might be present continually or be induced by taking a hot shower (aquagenic pruritus). Histamine, tryptase, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and interleukin (IL)-31 are suspected mediators. Although serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine and fluoxetine provide some relief, antihistaminics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are usually ineffective.
To investigate the role of mast cells in pruritus associated with MPDs, investigators examined skin biopsy specimens and blood samples from patients with MPD and controls. Also, they generated mast cells from 29 patients and 7 controls by incubating CD34+ c…