Inflammatory bio-marker changes in hemodialysis patients with pruritus receiving violet oil: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionRecently, the role of inflammatory bio-markers in uremic pruritus (UP) has been taken into consideration. UP pathophysiology is not completely understood. The prevalence of UP has been reported from 42% to 90% worldwide and at 41.4% and 48.3% in Iran. Violet oil is an herbal remedy with anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of violet oil and massage on the inflammatory bio-markers in UP. MethodsThis study was conducted from January to March 2019 on 44 Hemodialysis (HD) patients with UP at Montaserieh, 17 Shahrivar, and Shafa-toos HD Centers of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, Iran. Patients were categorized randomly into two groups. The intervention included massages with and without violet oil (Viola odorata) for two weeks on the healthy hand, which did not have a fistula. Blood sampling and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) forms completion were performed pre and post-intervention. FindingsThere were no significant differences in serum biomarkers and the severity of pruritus and skin dryness within and between two groups before the intervention (p > 0.05 for all), but at the end of the intervention, significant differences were detected in the severity of pruritus and skin dryness within and between two groups (p < 0.001) with no significant differences in the serum level of inflammatory bio-markers (p > 0.05 for all). ConclusionThe results showed that massage with violet oil is more effective than massage without it.