Chronic Itching and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Researchers assessed the prevalence, impact on quality of life (QoL), and risk factors for chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) in patients on hemodialysis. The study demonstrated that CKD-aP severity significantly affected the patients’ QoL. Risk factors for moderate to severe pruritus included higher levels of C-reactive protein and parathyroid hormone. The treatment approaches for CKD-aP varied among centers, including changes in the dialysis regime, topical treatments, antihistamines, gabapentin and pregabalin, and phototherapy.

While the overall prevalence of CKD-aP in the study was consistent with previous literature, the prevalence of moderate to severe pruritus was lower. CKD-aP was associated with reduced QoL and elevated markers of inflammation and parathyroid hormone.

Reference: Engler F, Kerschbaum J, Keller F, Mayer G; OEDTR collaborators. Prevalence, patient burden and physicians’ perception of pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2023 Jul 10:gfad152. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfad152. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37429597.

READ MORE > https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37429597/