Uremic Pruritus Review
Uremic Pruritus Review
Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease. Although the etiology of UP is not fully understood, several mechanisms for its pathogenesis have been proposed. UP can manifest in a single localized area or throughout the body, and it frequently affects the patient's quality of life. Although there are treatment options that demonstrate efficacy against UP, no single therapy has been confirmed as the cornerstone of management for this condition. Pharmacotherapeutic management depends on symptom severity and the patient's response to initial therapies.
Uremic pruritus (UP; chronic itching in patients with chronic kidney disease) has a prevalence of 15% to 49% and impacts more than one-third of patients undergoing dialysis. Of this subset of patients, 30% to 60% experience symptoms for more than a year. There seem to be no differences in prevalence or severity between peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis (HD); however, the incidence of UP has decreased over time owing to improved dialysis techniques. UP symptoms, which are subjective, can range from mild, localized itching to widespread, severe irritation. With its long duration, frequency, and high intensity, UP has been linked to sleep disturbances, depression, impaired quality of life, and mortality.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease. Although the etiology of UP is not fully understood, several mechanisms for its pathogenesis have been proposed. UP can manifest in a single localized area or throughout the body, and it frequently affects the patient's quality of life. Although there are treatment options that demonstrate efficacy against UP, no single therapy has been confirmed as the cornerstone of management for this condition. Pharmacotherapeutic management depends on symptom severity and the patient's response to initial therapies.
Introduction
Uremic pruritus (UP; chronic itching in patients with chronic kidney disease) has a prevalence of 15% to 49% and impacts more than one-third of patients undergoing dialysis. Of this subset of patients, 30% to 60% experience symptoms for more than a year. There seem to be no differences in prevalence or severity between peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis (HD); however, the incidence of UP has decreased over time owing to improved dialysis techniques. UP symptoms, which are subjective, can range from mild, localized itching to widespread, severe irritation. With its long duration, frequency, and high intensity, UP has been linked to sleep disturbances, depression, impaired quality of life, and mortality.
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