Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Published on: October 2, 2020
Uremic pruritus and associated factors in hemodialysis patients: A multi-center study
Nurten Ozen1, Fatma Ilknur Cinar2, Dilek Askin3
1Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Uremic pruritus is a common and disturbing problem in hemodialysis patients. Although its pathogenesis is not completely understood, it is thought to be multifactorial. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients.
Methods:
A total of 249 patients from four dialysis centers were included in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire, the visual analogue scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We investigated whether socio-demographic and biochemical parameters were correlated to uremic pruritus.
Results:
Pruritus was present in 53.4% of the hemodialysis patients. The mean visual analogue scale severity was 6.47 ± 1.56. Patients with white blood cell (WBC) counts > 6.7 × 103/μL had 1.73 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.360-2.888; P = 0.036) more pruritus than did those with WBC counts < 6.7 × 103/μL. Patients with dry skin were 0.2 times (95% CI, 0.070-0.182; P = 0.028) more likely to suffer from very severe pruritus than were those with normal skin.
Conclusion:
Uremic pruritus remains a serious problem in dialysis patients. The WBC level and presence of dry skin are thought to be among its causes. Therefore, data regarding the possible risk factors of uremic pruritus must be followed closely in patients at risk.
Related Concept Videos
Patient-centered Care
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical...
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated....
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

