Dataset Information

Prevalence, patient burden and physicians' perception of pruritus in haemodialysis patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is an underrated symptom in patients with impaired kidney function. The present study assessed the prevalence, impact on quality of life (QoL) and risk factors for CKD-aP in a contemporary national cohort of patients on haemodialysis. In addition, we evaluated attending physicians' awareness and approach to therapy.

Methods

Validated patient's and physician's questionnaires on pruritus severity and QoL were used in combination with information obtained by the Austrian Dialysis and Transplant Registry.

Results

The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe pruritus in 962 observed patients was 34.4%, 11.4% and 4.3%. Physicians' estimated prevalence values were 25.0 (95% CI 16.8-33.2), 14.4 (11.3-17.6) and 6.3% (4.9-8.3), respectively. The estimated national prevalence estimate extrapolated from the observed patients was 45.0% (95% CI 39.5-51.2) for any, 13.9% (95% CI 10.6-17.2) for moderate and 4.2% (95% CI 2.1-6.2) for severe CKD-aP. CKD-aP severity was significantly associated with impaired QoL. Risk factors for moderate-severe pruritus were higher C-reactive protein [odds ratio (OR) 1.61 (95% CI 1.07-2.43)] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values [OR 1.50 (95% CI 1.00-2.27)]. Therapy for CKD-aP included changes in the dialysis regimen, topical treatments, antihistamines, gabapentin and pregabalin and phototherapy in a majority of centres.

Conclusions

While the overall prevalence of CKD-aP in our study is similar to that in previously published literature, the prevalence of moderate-severe pruritus is lower. CKD-aP was associated with reduced QoL and elevated markers of inflammation and PTH. The high awareness of CKD-aP in Austrian nephrologists may explain the lower prevalence of more severe pruritus.

SUBMITTER: Engler F

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10828189 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Prevalence, patient burden and physicians' perception of pruritus in haemodialysis patients.

Engler Franziska F Kerschbaum Julia J Keller Felix F Mayer Gert G

Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association 20240101 2

<h4>Background</h4>Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is an underrated symptom in patients with impaired kidney function. The present study assessed the prevalence, impact on quality of life (QoL) and risk factors for CKD-aP in a contemporary national cohort of patients on haemodialysis. In addition, we evaluated attending physicians' awareness and approach to therapy.<h4>Methods</h4>Validated patient's and physician's questionnaires on pruritus severity and QoL were used in com ...[more]

PMID: 37429597

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Dataset Information

Prevalence, patient burden and physicians' perception of pruritus in haemodialysis patients.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Prevalence, patient burden and physicians' perception of pruritus in haemodialysis patients.

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