HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Large Gastrinoma, Spreading To Liver, Severe Itching. Taking Antidepressants, Atarax. Cure?

my husband has a very large gastrinoma that has spread to the liver... he is most bothered by severe itching that keeps him from sleeping despite numerous forms of narcotics.. antidepressants ( seroquel , mirtazapine are of no benefit) he has tried various types of benedryl , atarax with no use. Just wondering if you have any other suggestions for the severe itchiness. I was reading that hyperparathyroidism is also associated with his condition and if increasing his vitamin D would be of any benefit pertaining to the itching. by the way his serum bile is not elevated - any help would be appreciated
Mon, 30 Sep 2013
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

His severe itching is caused by jaundice. Due to bile ducts obstruction or liver failure bilirubin accumulates in the body including skin. This causes yellow skin (not always visible), itching, dark urine, stools can be white.
He should visit his doctor, have abdominal ultrasound, blood work, bilirubin level, liver tests (AST,ALT,AP,GGTP) and amylase. In case of elevated liver tests, ERCP and stent to bile ducts should be placed.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Neuron


Loading Online Doctors....
Large Gastrinoma, Spreading To Liver, Severe Itching. Taking Antidepressants, Atarax. Cure?

Hello! Thank you for the query. His severe itching is caused by jaundice. Due to bile ducts obstruction or liver failure bilirubin accumulates in the body including skin. This causes yellow skin (not always visible), itching, dark urine, stools can be white. He should visit his doctor, have abdominal ultrasound, blood work, bilirubin level, liver tests (AST,ALT,AP,GGTP) and amylase. In case of elevated liver tests, ERCP and stent to bile ducts should be placed. Hope this will help. Regards.