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Abstract: FR-PO1020

HA130 Hemoperfusion for Refractory Uremic Pruritus in Maintenance Hemodialysis: Experience from Tanzania

Session Information

Category: Dialysis

  • 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis

Author

  • Meshack, Benjamin Emmanuel, Meditec Systems Ltd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
Introduction

Uremic pruritus is a debilitating complication in maintenance hemodialysis patients and may cause severe sleep disturbance and poor quality of life. Conventional therapies often provide limited relief. We report successful management of refractory uremic pruritus using adjunctive HA130 hemoperfusion.

Case Description

A 62-year-old female receiving maintenance hemodialysis presented with severe refractory uremic pruritus for approximately one year despite antihistamines, hydrocortisone injections, and other anti-pruritic medications. Symptoms included severe nocturnal itching, inability to sleep, and repetitive scratching causing skin irritation.

The patient received adjunctive HA130 hemoperfusion combined with maintenance dialysis (HD + HP and HDF + HP). One HA130 hemoperfusion cartridge was administered weekly during 4-hour dialysis sessions for 3 treatments.

Baseline pruritus severity was 10/10 before treatment. Following therapy, symptoms improved to 0–1/10 with improved sleep quality and reduced antihistamine and corticosteroid use. Clinical improvement persisted from February 2024 through January 2026, although mild recurrence occurred during extended follow-up.

Discussion

This case highlights the potential role of adjunctive HA130 hemoperfusion in refractory uremic pruritus among maintenance hemodialysis patients. Treatment was associated with prolonged symptom relief, improved sleep, and reduced dependence on symptomatic medications after failure of conventional therapy.

Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge the dialysis teams and healthcare professionals involved in patient care and monitoring during hemoperfusion treatment sessions in Tanzania.

Clinical Outcomes Following Adjunctive HA130 Hemoperfusion in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients With Refractory Uremic Pruritus
PatientSeverity BeforeHA 130 SessionsOutcomeFollow - up
Patient 1Severe (10/10)3Complete reliefMild recurrence after 24 months
Patient 2Moderate2Complete reliefNo recurrence
Patient 3Severe4Complete reliefNo recurrence