Prevalence and severity of pruritus amongst patients with chronic kidney disease Kadam Manish1,*, Kadam Pranita2 1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Skin & VD, Indian Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Medical College, Badanapur, Jalana, Maharashtra 2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Physiology, MGM Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India *Corresponding Author: Email: mkadam1970@gmail.com
Online published on 14 January, 2019. Abstract 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. Top Keywords Pruritus, Skin Disorders, Hemodialysis. Top |