
doi: 10.1038/ki.2013.454
pmid: 24402092
Uremic pruritus or chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) remains a frequent and compromising symptom in patients with advanced or end-stage renal disease, strongly reducing the patient's quality of life. More than 40% of patients undergoing hemodialysis suffer from chronic pruritus; half of them complain about generalized pruritus. The pathogenesis of CKD-aP remains obscure. Parathormone and histamine as well as calcium and magnesium salts have been suspected as pathogenetic factors. Newer hypotheses are focusing on opioid-receptor derangements and microinflammation as possible causes of CKD-aP, although until now this could not be proven. Pruritus may be extremely difficult to control, as therapeutic options are limited. The most consequential approaches to treatment are: topical treatment with or without anti-inflammatory compounds or systemic treatment with (a) gabapentin, (b) μ-opioid receptor antagonists and κ-agonists, (c) drugs with an anti-inflammatory action, (d) phototherapy, or (e) acupuncture. A stepwise approach is suggested starting with emollients and gabapentin or phototherapy as first-line treatments. In refractory cases, more experimental options as μ-opioid-receptor-antagonists (i.e., naltrexone) or κ-opioid-receptor agonist (nalfurafine) may be chosen. In desperate cases, patients suitable for transplantation might be set on 'high urgency'-status, as successful kidney transplantation will relieve patients from CKD-aP.
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids, Narcotic Antagonists, Pruritus, Receptors, Opioid, kappa, Acupuncture Therapy, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Pregabalin, Phototherapy, Calcium Channel Blockers, Naltrexone, Tacrolimus, Thalidomide, Morphinans, Humans, Spiro Compounds, Amines, Gabapentin, Pentoxifylline, Renal Insufficiency, Chronic, Uremia
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids, Narcotic Antagonists, Pruritus, Receptors, Opioid, kappa, Acupuncture Therapy, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Pregabalin, Phototherapy, Calcium Channel Blockers, Naltrexone, Tacrolimus, Thalidomide, Morphinans, Humans, Spiro Compounds, Amines, Gabapentin, Pentoxifylline, Renal Insufficiency, Chronic, Uremia
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