Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of pruritus and its predictive factors amongst patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at hemodialysis Unit, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from October to December 2022. We included patients on maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months. Those unable to understand questions, having a history of skin diseases or seasonal allergies or on treatment for pruritis were excluded. The Urdu version of the 5-D itch scale was administered in a direct face-to-face interview. Blood samples were collected for estimation of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and bicarbonate.
Result: Out of 91 patients, 62 (68.1%) were males and 29 (31.9%) females, with a mean age of 49.16±14.47 years. Median hemodialysis vintage was 24 months (interquartile range 4-60 months). Fifty (54.95%) patients were on twice- a weekly dialysis schedule, whereas 41 (45.05%) were getting dialyzed thrice a week. Pruritus occurred in 36 (39.56%) patients. This was more common with advancing age (odds ratio (OR): 1.040; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.006, 1.074; p=0.019). None of the other factors could predict pruritis in this cohort.
Conclusion: Uremic pruritus is frequent amongst patients on maintenance hemodialysis, more so amongst patients with advancing age.

Key words: End-stage renal disease, hemodialysis, pruritus, renal replacement therapy.