Notalgia paresthetica: factors associated with its perceived severity, duration, side, and localization

Abstract

Background

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a disorder characterized by pruritus localized to the patient's back. Little is known about predictors of severity, duration, side, and localization.

Objective

To identify factors associated with perceived severity, duration, side, and localization of NP.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, disease severity, duration, side, and localization were compared among the considered variables. Multivariate analysis was used to assess each variable contribution in predicting disease severity and its duration.

Results

Sixty-five patients were recruited. Disease involved more female than male patients (Female/Male: 1.6) and after adjusting for all potential confounders, it was perceived as more severe in females (OR = 7.3, 95% CI = 2–26.3, P < 0.01). NP was reported more frequently on the right side among patients sleeping on the left side and conversely (P < 0.05). A higher disease duration was significantly linked to a higher body mass index (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.3–17.1, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study linked female gender to worse disease severity, a higher body mass index to longer disease duration, and prevailing sleep position to NP side expression. The sleeping position should be considered a possible target for treating the disease.

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