Prevalence and severity of pruritus amongst patients with chronic kidney disease

Introduction: Skin problems are common and diverse in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pruritus is a highly prevalent condition in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety and depression which may contribute to reduction in quality of life. Objective: To study the prevalence and severity of pruritus among patients with chronic kidney disease. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted in 77 consecutive chronic kidney disease patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis for more than 3 months at Manik hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India were studied during January 2015 to December 2015. Results: Out of 77 patients, 51 (66.23%) of males and 26 (23.67%) of females were examined. The mean age was 51.17 years. Xerosis was the commonest manifestation (87.01%), followed by pruritus (57.14%). Mild pruritus was reported in 59.09% patients whereas severe pruritus was noted in 22.27% patients. High urea, phosphate and ALP levels were noted in severe pruritus group, but difference not statistically significant. 32 patients with pruritus on maintenance HD were followed over next 6 months. Out of 32 patients followed, 37.5% had no change in pruritus. Pruritus improved in 28.12%, while it actually worsened in 34.37% patients. Conclusion: In this study, 57.14% of patients with chronic kidney disease experience pruritus. Gender, age, presence of DM, duration of dialysis was not statistically significant between pruritus and non-pruritus group. Also hematocrit was similar in pruritus and non-pruritus groups. There was no significant difference in calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels in pruritus and non-pruritus groups.