Abstract: FR-PO0427
CKD-Associated Pruritus: A Cross-Sectional Study
Session Information
- Dialysis: Measuring and Managing Symptoms and Syndromes
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Papalexandrou, Alexia, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Gkika, Vasiliki, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Gkogka, Eleni, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Efthimiou, Evdokia, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Nitsotolis, Thomas, 3nd Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens Sotiria, Athens, Greece
- Chelioti, Eleni, Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Tzaneio, Piraeus, Greece
- Revela, Ioanna, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus (CKD-aP), is a debilitating symptom of dialysis patients, which impairs their quality of life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of CKD-aP and the available treatments.
Methods
We analyzed 73 dialysis individuals and pruritus was assessed with 3 self-reported scales: SADS, WI-NRS and 5D-itch scale (Table 1A). Statistical analyses included logistic regression.
Results
The baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1B. Based on SADS scale, 60% of patients reported moderate or severe pruritus with sleep disturbances (Graph 1). According to WI-NRS scale, 39% mentioned moderate or severe pruritus (Graph 2). In 5D scale, the median score was 9, while 25% of measurements were over 21(Graph 3) Thirty-six percent of patients were on medication for CKD-aP. Difelikefalin(DFK) was taken by 21% of patients under medication, who complained about severe pruritus and had complete response (Graph 4,5). In logistic analysis only history of diabetes type 2 was statistically significant for the presence of CKD-aP (OR=3.6, p-value=0.03).
Conclusion
A substantial proportion of dialysis patients continue to experience pruritus. This analysis confirms that DFK can effectively relieve severe CKD-aP. Further studies are required in order to understand the pathophysiology of CKD-aP and determine optimal treatment.