Clinical characteristics of uremic pruritus in patient undergoing hemodialysis

Objective: to identify various characteristics of uremic pruritus patients undergoing hemodialysis. design: case series place and duration of study: this study was conducted at nephrology ward and dermatology department at sandeman provincial hospital quetta over a period of six months. patients and methods: fifty patients of end stage renal failure undergoing hemodialysis were studied. characteristics of pruritus like duration,intensity,occurrence,appearance,distribution,area of maximum intensity; effect on and mood were documented. effects of dry skin,heat,sweating,rest,clothing,tiredness,dialysis,cold,application of lubricants medication & association of pruritus. results: pruritus occurred daily in 90%,weekly 22% and monthly 14% and intractable in 8%. areas of maximum intensity were legs in 66% and back 34%. dry skin and cold environment exacerbated while rest and hot environment a meliorated pruritus. 76% had sleep problems 34% became agitated,while 18% became depressed patients with pruritus did not differ from those with out it with regard to laboratory parameter or use of medication. conclusion: this study gives us a comprehensive characteristic of uremic pruritus which may be useful guideline for treating nephrologists and dermatologist.