Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO1035

Itching to Know: Does Dialysis Vintage Affect the Global and Regional Prevalence of Pruritus?

Session Information

• Hemodialysis: Clinical Challenges, Patient-Centered Outcomes, and Quality of Life
  October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Dialysis

• 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis

Authors

• Jiao, Yue, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Yue Jiao, PhD

• Wolf, Melanie, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Melanie Wolf, MS, MSc

• Croft, Kaitlyn Renee, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Kaitlyn Renee Croft, MSc

• Zimbelman, Justin, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Justin Zimbelman, MBA

• Van Zandt, Carly R., Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Carly R. Van Zandt, MS

• Singh, Kanti, Fresenius Medical Care Holdings Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Kanti Singh

• Usvyat, Len A., Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Len A. Usvyat, PhD, FASN

• Hugh-Jones, Charles, Fresenius Medical Care AG, Bad Homburg, HE, Germany

Charles Hugh-Jones, MD

• Larkin, John W., Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

John W. Larkin, MS, MSc, PhD, FASN

Background

It is unknown if the symptoms of pruritus are influenced by the time since kidney failure and dialysis initiation. We evaluated if the global and regional prevalence of pruritus is influenced by the time since dialysis start in a multinational dialysis database, ApolloDialDb™.

Methods

We used a global dialysis database (ApolloDialDb v2.0) from 41 countries (Jan2018-Dec2024). Pruritus symptoms were assessed using KDQOL-36^TM Question “During the past 4 weeks, to what extent were you bothered by itchy skin?”. Responses are: not at all, somewhat, moderately, very much, and extremely bothered. For each patient, the first recorded response within each year of dialysis was analyzed. For regional comparisons, responses were dichotomized into: negligibly (not at all and somewhat) and moderately to extremely bothered (moderate, very much, and extremely).

Results

Among 852,637 adults, 480,508 (56%) had responded to the KDQOL-36 itchy skin question. The global prevalence of moderate-to-severe pruritus was stable after dialysis start (range 22-24%) (Figure 1A). Regional variability and trends by dialysis vintage were observed (Figure 1B). Latin America showed the lowest prevalence and decreasing rates over time on dialysis, from 21% at initiation to 16% after 10 years; the greatest decline occurred during the first few years. Europe also showed decreasing prevalence, although changes were not observed until after 4 years on dialysis. North America showed relatively stable prevalence over time. Oceania showed the highest prevalence and large fluctuations (range 26-38%). Asia also showed fluctuating prevalence (range 19-32%).

Conclusion

The global prevalence of moderate-to-severe pruritus was approximately 23%, which is lower than prior DOPPS reports (Sukul, Kidney Med 2020). Although no global association was observed between dialysis vintage and symptom burden, regional trends suggested that dialysis vintage may influence symptoms, particularly in Latin America and Europe. Substantial variability in prevalence was observed between regions and within Asia and Oceania.

Figure 1.

Funding

• Commercial Support – Fresenius Medical Care