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Review
. 2017 Jan 23:10:11-26.
doi: 10.2147/IJNRD.S108045. eCollection 2017.

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus: impact on quality of life and current management challenges

Shayan Shirazian  1 , Olufemi Aina  1 , Youngjun Park  1 , Nawsheen Chowdhury  1 , Kathleen Leger  1 , Linle Hou  1 , Nobuyuki Miyawaki  1 , Vandana S Mathur  2
Affiliations
Review

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus: impact on quality of life and current management challenges

Shayan Shirazian et al. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis. .

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a distressing, often overlooked condition in patients with CKD and end-stage renal disease. It affects ~40% of patients with end-stage renal disease and has been associated with poor quality of life, poor sleep, depression, and mortality. Prevalence estimates vary based on the instruments used to diagnose CKD-aP, and standardized diagnostic instruments are sorely needed. Treatment studies have often yielded conflicting results. This is likely related to studies that are limited by small sample size, flawed designs, and nonstandardized diagnostic instruments. Several large well-designed treatment trials have recently been completed and may soon influence CKD-aP management.

Keywords: chronic kidney disease; depression; end-stage renal disease; itching; pruritus; uremia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr Vandana Mathur is currently a consultant to Trevi Therapeutics and Cara Therapeutics, and, formerly to Patara Pharmaceuticals. The other authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prior treatments for chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) by proposed pathogenic mechanism.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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