Pruritus and Renal Failure

PRURITUS/ITCH: THE SCIENCE AND TREATMENT

Pruritus and Renal Failure

Jun
2011
Vol. 30. No. 2
Martin Steinhoff, MD | Timothy G. Berger, MD

Patients with renal failure, usually end-stage renal disease (ESRD), commonly are afflicted by severe pruritus. The pathogenesis of ESRD pruritus is unknown, but improving the quality of dialysis can reduce the prevalence and severity of ESRD pruritus. Topical and systemic agents as well as broadband ultraviolet phototherapy can be extremely beneficial. Gabapentin has been recently discovered as an effective agent for the patient with ESRD pruritus. Kappa opiate agonists are promising new therapeutic options.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:99-100 © 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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