[Uremic neuropathy--II. Is pruritus in dialyzed patients related to neuropathy?]

The problem of pruritus in dialyzed patients remains unsolved. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between pruritus and clinical symptoms and signs, and electrophysiological aspects of peripheral neuropathy, both somatic and autonomic. 51 patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing hemodialysis were examined. Diabetics were excluded. Apart from taking history and physical examination, conduction velocities in peripheral nerves were determined, and R-R interval variation (RRIV: assessment of vagal function) and sympathetic skin response (SSR) tests were performed. Pruritus was present in about 63% of patients. In majority of them, symptoms and sings of neuropathy were also found. A significant relationship between pruritus and paresthesia was noted. This indicates a possible relationship between pruritus and secondary neuropathy.