Cutaneous responses to histamine, compound 48/80, and codeine in patients with chronic renal failure

Pruritus is a common symptom associated with chronic renal failure (CRF). But increased plasma histamine levels and skin mast cell proliferation previously reported in these patients did not correlate with the intensity of the pruritus. Since increased mast cell releasability was described in chronic idiopathic urticaria, we attempted to examine whether this mechanism could explain pruritus in patients with CRF. Twenty-five patients with end stage renal failure were skin tested with histamine, codeine, and compound 48/80. There were nine patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, eight patients on hemodialysis, (tested both before and after dialysis) and eight patients with advanced CRF. Wheal area after intradermal injection of three concentrations of the above substances was measured. In general, the wheal areas in all patients with CRF were either similar to or smaller than those of the control group who were without renal impairment. In conclusion, patients with CRF with or without dialysis therapy demonstrated unchanged or decreased skin test responses to histamine, codeine, and compound 48/80. Increased mast cell releasability cannot explain the pruritus in patients with CRF.