Health-related quality of life in haemodialysis patients suffering from chronic itch: results from GEHIS (German Epidemiology Haemodialysis Itch Study)

Abstract

Impairments in HRQOL are a serious problem in HD patients. CI means an additional burden in affected patients, also impairing their HRQOL. GEHIS showed significant sex differences in HRQOL outcomes also in HD patients. CI and pain as well as sleep frequently occur combined and significantly impair HRQOL in HD patients. The care of HD patients should be complemented by psychosocial support and mental health services.

Lower prevalence of chronic itch in haemodialysis patients on loop diuretics: results from GEHIS (German Epidemiological Hemodialysis Itch Study)

“…The first representative cross‐sectional study (GEHIS) using different prevalence estimates of CI demonstrated that 25.2% of haemodialysis (HD) patients are affected by current CI and 35.2% by CI once in the lifetime . Moreover, we showed that CI in HD patients significantly impaired the patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) . The pathogenesis of CI in HD patients is still elusive.…”

Prevalence and Severity of Itching in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: Treatment with Nalfurafine Hydrochloride

“…Problematic itching was reported by over 60% of patients in the HD group, 50% of those on PD, and approximately 40% of those on conservative treatment. Although there was no significant difference in the severity or frequency of pruritus between the 3 study groups, itch-associated insomnia was significantly more common in patients on PD [1][2][3]. Although we have no clear explanation for this finding, there are many reports of insomnia in patients on dialysis, particularly those performing automated PD [4][5][6].…”

“…These cytokines and various products cause itching. Moreover, some drugs can cause severe itching, as can stress [1][2][3].…”

“…The prevalence of pruritus in patients with ESRD ranges from 18 to 70% with variable severity [1][2][3]. In this study, using a questionnaire survey, we investigated the frequency and severity of pruritus in patients on hemodialysis (HD) for ESRD, peritoneal dialysis (PD) for ESRD, or conservative treatment for CKD, as well as patient satisfaction with treatment.…”

Outcome measures in patients with chronic pruritus: moving forward but still a long way to go

“…DLQI measures QoL within the last 7 days, which is not the appropriate time period for chronic pruritus, a condition defined as lasting for > 6 weeks . Indeed, most patients suffer from pruritus for months to years . DLQI has several methodological limitations, such as item bias and lack of unidimensionality …”