Abstract: TH-OR085
Comparison of Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy vs. Oral Gabapentin in the Management of Uremic Pruritus in Patients with CKD Stage 5 on Maintenance Hemodialysis (CKD-5D)
Session Information
- Rethinking Hemodialysis: Innovation Across the Care Continuum
October 22, 2026 | Location: Mile High Ballroom 1A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 05:00 PM - 05:10 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Jhajhria, Anil Kumar, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Hapur, Hapur, UP, India
- Dassi, Manisha, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Jha, Prem Mohan, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Choudhary, Shipra, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, Kaushambi, UP, India
- Chugh, Nishkarsh, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Hapur, Hapur, UP, India
Background
Uremic pruritus is a common and distressing symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease, affecting nearly half of patients on long-term dialysis and significantly impairing quality of life. Narrowband ultraviolet B ( NB-UVB) phototherapy and gabapentin are commonly used treatments, but comparative data remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of NB-UVB phototherapy versus oral Gabapentin in the management of uremic pruritus in CKD-5D patients.
Methods
This non - randomised observational study included 102 consecutive CKD-5D patients ( age > 18 years , on thrice/week maintainence haemodialysis for atleast one year, after ruling out malignancies, without active infection or drug reaction, without liver or thyroid disorders & without history of herpes) with uremic pruritus who were started on treatment with either NB-UVB phototherapy or oral Gabapentin as per treating nephrologist/Dermatologist decision. Treatment was continued for 4 weeks. Pruritus severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and at 6-month follow-up.
Results
NB-UVB group had 56 patients while Oral Gabapentin group had 46 patients (Figure 1). Both groups showed significant reductions in VAS scores at 4 weeks at the end of treatment (96.64 % for NB-UVB group vs 89.13% for Oral Gabapentin group). NB-UVB demonstrated faster onset of relief (57.14% mean VAS reduction at 2 weeks for NB-UVB vs 23.91% mean VAS reduction at 2 weeks for oral Gabapentin), fewer adverse effects, and a lower relapse rate at 6 months (7.14%) compared to Gabapentin (26.09%). Gabapentin was associated with higher rates of dizziness and somnolence (21.74% ).
Conclusion
Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy is a more effective, safer, and longer-lasting treatment option than gabapentin for uremic pruritus in CKD stage 5 patients on maintaience haemodialysis.
Figure 1: Results