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. 2019 Feb 6;20(1):42.
doi: 10.1186/s12882-019-1234-0.

Multidimensional pruritus assessment in hemodialysis patients

Nese Altınok Ersoy  1 , İmatullah Akyar  2
Affiliations

Multidimensional pruritus assessment in hemodialysis patients

Nese Altınok Ersoy et al. BMC Nephrol. .

Abstract

Background: Pruritus is a distressing, life-limiting symptom in chronic renal failure, affecting 40% of patients. This study aimed to determine uremic pruritus prevalence and investigate the multidimensional impact on hemodialysis patients.

Methods: This descriptive study was performed between March and June 2016. The study included 181 patients undergoing hemodialysis session, who reported pruritus in the prior month. Data were collected using the 5-D Itch Scale, which assesses pruritus based on 5 dimensions, i.e., degree, duration, direction, disability, and distribution, with a total score ranging from 5 (no itching) to 25 (maximum severity).

Results: Pruritus prevalence was 49.3%. Patients had a mean score of 13.97 ± 4.11 (moderate severity). The daily duration was 6-12 h (40.3%), with direction "a little bit better but still present" (38.7%) and distribution on the "back, upper arms, chest, and abdomen." Patients sleep, social life/leisure time, housework and errand were impacted "occasionally". The score was higher in patients aged ≥65 years, those on hemodialysis for ≥15 or more years, and those undergoing afternoon hemodialysis. The duration of itching was significantly shorter in employed patients.

Conclusion: Assessment and management of itching symptoms in chronic renal failure are a clinical priority both for patients and for health care professionals. The results of this study highlight the importance of multidimensional assessment and support the need for development of standardized and patient-specific symptom management.

Keywords: 5-D itch scale; Chronic renal failure; Hemodialysis; Nursing; Pruritus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was approved by Hacettepe University Ethical Committee (# GO 15/470–20). Written informed consent with a sign was obtained from the patients to participate in the research.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

No competing interest has been declared by the authors.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Correlation of hemodialysis speed and 5-D Itch Scale degree (severity) dimension
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Correlation of hemodialysis speed and 5-D Itch Scale direction (progression) dimension
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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