Overlooked factor in the etiology of pruritus in hemodialysis patients: Ultrafiltration volume

Introduction This study investigated the relationship between ultrafiltration (UF) volume and pruritus severity based on the idea that skin perfusion and inflammatory changes occur in dialysis patients with high UF volume. Materials and Methods This observational study included 392 patients. Patients filled out the Numerical Rating Scale, Verbal Rating Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale, showing the severity of pruritis. UF volumes in the last 12 sessions were recorded and averaged. Results The rate of patients with pruritis was between 59.4% and 67.5% in the three scales. In three pruritis scales, the severity of pruritis, age, body mass index (BMI), UF volume, and UF volume/body weight ratio were positively correlated. UF volume/body weight ratio, age, and BMI were independent predictors of pruritis severity. Conclusion Limiting interdialytic weight gain may be an important treatment approach in pruritus control.