CKD-Associated Pruritus

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a chronic itching condition that is particularly common in patients on hemodialysis. It is a serious and common condition that is generally under-recognized and under-reported. 

CKD-aP can significantly reduce patients' quality of life (QoL) through the urge to scratch, impaired sleep, and depression, and can lead to worsening medical outcomes in severely affected patients. 

The pathogenesis of CKD-aP is multifactorial; while formally attributed primarily to the accumulation of uremic toxins, new research indicates a significant role for kappa opioid receptor (KOR) dysregulation.