About cholestatic pruritus (itch)
Itch from Alagille syndrome is more than normal itching
If you or your loved one experience itching from Alagille syndrome, you know that it can be a challenge to relieve. It may be frequent, deep, and frustrating.
Up to 88% of people with Alagille syndrome experience itch
Your doctor may describe itch using this term. Cholestatic (pronounced koh-luh-stat-ik) means the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked. Pruritus (pronounced proo-rahy-tuhs) is a medical term for itching.
How Alagille syndrome affects the liver
- Bile acids don’t drain properly out of the liver to the small intestine.
- Bile acids build up to a level that may be harmful to the liver.
- Excess bile acids can spill into the bloodstream.
The buildup of bile acids in the liver and the bloodstream may be the cause of itch (cholestatic pruritus) in Alagille syndrome.
The buildup of bile acids in the liver and the bloodstream may be the cause of itch (cholestatic pruritus) in Alagille syndrome.
Bile acids are created in the liver. Bile acids aid in digestion, breaking down food and helping the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
The ileal bile acid transporter, or IBAT, recycles bile acids back to the liver from the intestines.
Signs of itch aren’t always obvious
Babies and young kids may
- Rub themselves or rub against objects
- Kick their legs and be restless
- Cry, be irritable and fussy
- Struggle to fall and stay asleep
Older kids and adults may
- Feel embarrassed or be impacted socially
- Feel effects on mood
- Struggle to concentrate
- Struggle to fall and stay asleep
Make sure to talk to your doctor about all the ways itch impacts you or your child
Discover how Bylvay works to help reduce itch from Alagille syndrome
It’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential impact of itch
Disruptions due to the itch from Alagille syndrome affects each patient and caregiver differently.
Use the doctor discussion guide below to the right to track symptoms and have better conversations about the impact of Alagille syndrome with your doctor.
Get started tracking your symptoms with the itch tracker and itch-related sleep tracker and share the results with your doctor.
