Investigation of pruritus and dermatological quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate pruritus and dermatological quality of life in all chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who receive or do not receive renal replacement therapy. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 CKD patients who volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, 5-D Itch Scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results: The total score of the 5-D itch scale of patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment was 8.25 +/- 3.69, and the total score of DLQI was 7.25 +/- 5.96. The total score on the 5-D itch scale of the patients who did not receive HD treatment was 7.65 +/- 3.89 and the total DLQI score was 3.97 +/- 4.75. When the correlation between 5 D Itch Scale and DLQI was examined, it was found that patients with itching had a lower dermatological quality of life. Discussion: Dermatological quality of life is low in patients with pruritus. It has been observed that patients who receive and do not receive dialysis treatment generally experience itching and their dermatological quality of life is low. It has been determined that the dermatological quality of life is better in those receiving hemodialysis treatment. Evaluation is the first step in the prevention and management of pruritus, which is a common symptom in CKD patients. Nurses are required to routinely examine the itching and its causative factors and to take the necessary precautions as they play a primary role.