Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus, Still a Vexing Problem

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP), formerly termed uremic pruritus, is a severely distressing condition that is common (60% of patients on dialysis) and frequently underdiagnosed and untreated.^1,2 The pruritus can be severe enough to diminish sleep and is associated with worse mortality rates, as demonstrated in several large studies.^1,2 It can also occur in nondialysis patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD, with an increasing prevalence in patients with worsening kidney function, age, and medical comorbidities. The pathophysiology likely involves many factors and molecules.³.