Characteristics of skin water content and its relationship with uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

【Objectives】To characterize uremic xerosis (dry skin) and pruritus, which are common complications in hemodialysis patients, and to evaluate the possible relationship between them. 【Methods】The prevalence and intensity of pruritus were assessed by a questionnaire survey including a visual analog scale in 450 chronic hemodialysis patients. The skin water contents at the forearm inside part and the lower back were also measured. We analyzed the relationship between pruritus and skin water content in conjunction with blood chemistry data.【Results】The overall prevalence of pruritus was 65.6% in all hemodialysis patients. The median value of arm water content was 30.9% and positively correlated with the back water content (31.2%). In contrast, the arm and back water contents did not show any relationship with gender, age, hemodialysis duration, presence of diabetes, presence of pruritus, frequency of pruritus, intensity of pruritus, presence of sleep disturbance, medication for pruritus, presence of topical cream usage nor satisfaction rating for medication. Multiple regression analysis showed that male gender, presence of diabetes, and post-dialysis serum uncorrected Ca levels were significantly and positively correlated with the presence of pruritus. Another multiple regression analysis showed that post-dialysis serum Na levels and pre-dialysis serum corrected Ca levels were selected as variables that significantly correlate with water content. 【Conclusion】Skin water content does not correlate with the presence or intensity of pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients.