Pruritus (aquagenic)

Current understanding

Itch triggered by water exposure, classic in PV. Mechanism involves mast cell hyperactivation and leukotriene signaling.

Evidence log

• 2026-06-12 — Assessment of the MFSAF v4.0 and PROMIS Fatigue 7a to Measure Outcomes in Myelofibrosis: Validation from a Non-interventional Mixed Methods Study.: 2026 — Validation of MFSAF v4.0 in MF supported the itching item as content-valid and reliable, with 1–2-point item change deemed meaningful — providing a psychometrically anchored measure of pruritus severity in myelofibrosis (distinct from classic PV aquagenic pruritus). (novelty: 3)
• 2026-07-23 — Complete Hematological Response Coupled with Molecular Response in Polycythemia Vera Treatment with Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b.: 2026 — Complete Hematological Response Coupled with Molecular Response in Polycythemia Vera Treatment with Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: Small observational series (n=13 HU-intolerant high-risk PV) reported pruritus resolution alongside complete hematological response at a mean of 4.15 months on low-start, slow-titration ropeginterferon alfa-2b with biweekly monitoring. (novelty: 3) (novelty: 3)
• 2026-06-26 — Increased Mast Cell Numbers in Bone Marrow of Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Pruritus.: Observational study found untreated MPN patients with clinically significant pruritus had significantly higher absolute and relative bone-marrow mast-cell numbers than those without pruritus, quantitatively linking mast cell burden to the symptom without establishing causality. (novelty: 3)

Open questions

Related