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.

Background:Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients; however, it is a disorder that is neglected in dialysis centers.Objectives:The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical factors associated with RLS among ESRD patients.Patients and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) in three HD centers in Ahvaz city in Southwest Iran. Blood samples were obtained prior to a dialysis session to check the routine laboratory test results and assess the adequacy of dialysis. The presence of RLS was assessed by using the international RLS study group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria. The IRLSSG rating scale was also used to evaluate the severity of the RLS symptoms.Results:Of the 139 HD patients enrolled in this study, 60 were female (43.2%) and 79 were male (56.8%), with a mean age of 51.82 ± 13.31 years. The prevalence of RLS was 15.8% (22 patients), with 50% of them (11 patients) having severe or very severe symptoms. There was a significant relationship between RLS and longer durations of dialysis (P < 0.001). The mean level of serum ferritin was lower in patients without RLS, but it was not significant (P = 0.065). No significant differences were found according to age, gender, dialysis shifts, and hemoglobin (Hb) level among patients with and without RLS.Conclusions:We conclude that a significant percentage of ESRD patients undergoing maintenance HD have severe or very severe RLS symptoms. The presence of RLS is associated to longer durations of dialysis.

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