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 Mathur2 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY; 2Mathur Consulting, Woodside, CA, USA 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: pruritus, chronic kidney disease, uremia, end-stage renal disease, itching, depressio