The following is a summary of “Impact of pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis in Italy: a patient-based survey,” published in the June 2024 issue of Nephrology by Santoro et al.

Researchers conducted a prospective study to understand how itching affects patients opting for dialysis in Italy and the patient’s perceptions and experiences with itching.

They used a questionnaire from the National Hemodialysis and Dialysis Association of Italy (ANED), giving it to 996 patients undergoing hemodialysis in 153 Italian centers. The primary goal of the survey was to identify how satisfied patients were with the nature of itching, whether communication regarding itching with the nephrologists, and the beliefs about resolving itching. 

The results showed that 1,903 patients from 153 centers had a mean age of 67.9 ± 13.8 years, with the majority being male (63.9%). The itching was reported mild in 35.9%, moderate in 29.6%, and severe in 34.4%. Severe itching diminished their QoL by disrupting daily life and relationships and causing anxiety. Patients talked about this with dialysis staff and undertook dermatological visits. Only 18% of patients with severe itching were satisfied with clinical responses, compared to 49.1% of patients with mild itches. Continued discussions with nephrologists led to more satisfactory responses, but 40.8% believed itching couldn’t be alleviated, reducing discussions.  

Investigators concluded that severe itching in patients undergoing hemodialysis often led to feelings of resignation, showing a clear need for better communication between patients and healthcare providers. Improving the interactions was crucial to effectively addressing patient concerns.

Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40620-024-01983-y