Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and uremic syndrome cause malfunction in most of organs including skin. Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplement on uremic pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial study (#IRCT cod; 29363; http://irct.ir/trial/29363), the effect of the omega-3 supplement on uremic pruritus was assessed in 64 chronic hemodialysis patients (using standard 5-D itch scale questionnaire). Patients were surveyed at the hemodialysis department of Imam Khomeini and Razi hospitals in Ahvaz city, Iran. Results: We found that the mean score of itching degree in the intervention and the placebo groups decreased from 3.56 to 1.72 (P<0.001) and 3.63 to 3.09 (P<0.05) respectively. Conclusions: In our study, the omega-3 supplement could reduce uremic pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients.
Highlights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and uremic syndrome cause malfunction in most of organs including skin
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: In a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, we found omega-3 supplement could reduce uremic pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients
Based on pathologies proposed for uremic pruritus such as increasing oxidants and inflammatory processes and loss of serum anti-oxidants that increase in CKD patients during hemodialysis through membranes, and imbalance of ions and electrolytes and nitrogen products and other waste materials, using antioxidant agents to reduce pruritus was taken into consideration
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and uremic syndrome cause malfunction in most of organs including skin. Uremic pruritus is resistant to treatment with ordinary anti-itch agents such as moisturizing, antihistamines, glucocorticoids and ultraviolet radiation [1]. Based on pathologies proposed for uremic pruritus such as increasing oxidants and inflammatory processes and loss of serum anti-oxidants that increase in CKD patients during hemodialysis through membranes, and imbalance of ions and electrolytes and nitrogen products and other waste materials, using antioxidant agents to reduce pruritus was taken into consideration. CKD patients have abnormal lipid, especially profiles of fatty acids and most of the symptoms are associated with this abnormality like pruritus, delayed wound healing, cardiovascular diseases, anemia and coagulopathy [4]. Omega-3 fatty acids in addition to anti-inflammatory effects have been used to decrease the pruritus [3,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
