No abstract

Study results showed that low-dose sertraline was effective for antihistamine-refractory uremic pruritus in renal palliative care patients. Further placebo-blinded randomized-controlled studies are warranted to clarify our findings.

Pain is common in advanced CKD patients receiving palliative care. While this seems to have been underrecognized, the symptom is potentially amenable to management. We recommend routine assessment of pain burden in this patient population.

More could be done in symptom and psychosocial management to improve patients' QoL, in particular for those who are younger, male or single, or who have lower physical functioning.

Our pilot results suggested that intensifying RPCC follow-up minimized the utilization of acute medical services and improved outpatient attendance at RPCC.