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Program of Itch Studies in Liver Diseases

Itching secondary to liver disease, including primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and hepatitis C, is a very difficult symptom to manage. The reason why patients with liver disease itch is not known. Over the past several years, some clinical studies have suggested that substances that are normally found in the blood of patients with liver disease and itch, known as neurotransmitters, at least be partly responsible for this type of itch.

In an effort to understand what causes itch in patients with liver disease, and to develop effective therapies, we have established a program of study and treatment of patients with liver disease and itch. The program consists of complete clinical evaluations, blood donation for analysis of potential substances that may cause this type of itch and participation in clinical trials.

For more information on the various programs on itching in liver diseases at Columbia and possible participation in clinical trails, please contact:

Nora V. Bergasa, M. D.
Telephone: (212) 305-8156
Email: nb343@columbia.edu

Return to Programs in Liver Diseases at Columbia-Presbyterian.