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Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO1144

Prevalence and Burden of CKD-Associated Pruritus in Europe (CENSUS-EU)

Session Information

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

  • 2302 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials

Authors

  • Burton, James, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
  • Perrin, Amandine, Vifor Pharma Management AG, Glattbrugg, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Ruessmann, Despina, Vifor Pharma Management AG, Glattbrugg, Zurich, Switzerland
Background

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is common and can impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite this, there has been a lack of clarity on its prevalence and impact.

Methods

CENSUS-EU is a real-world, cross-sectional, multicenter study in Europe, which aimed to assess the prevalence of CKD-aP and its impact on HRQoL in adult patients receiving hemodialysis. Patients completed questionnaires on pruritus presence/severity (the Worst Itching Intensity Numerical Rating Scale), and HRQoL (including the 5-D itch scale and the integrated palliative care outcome scale symptom list for end-stage renal disease). Medical records were used to gather information on dialysis, treatment, and healthcare resource use. Data were analyzed by pruritus severity (no, mild, moderate, and severe).

Results

Data were evaluated for 2,963 patients. Patients had a mean age of 66.2 years and 62.7% were male. Overall, the prevalence of CKD-aP was 53.5%; 22.3% of patients experienced mild, 18.0% moderate, and 13.2% severe pruritus. As pruritus severity increased from no pruritus to severe pruritus, patients reported more difficulty sleeping and feelings of depression. 5-D itch disability subscale scores also increased with pruritus severity (Figure). Patients with severe pruritus were hospitalized more often than those with mild or moderate pruritus (2.1 versus 1.8 and 2.0 times/patient/year, respectively). The proportion of patients receiving ≥1 ongoing anti-itch treatment increased with pruritus severity but remained low in all subgroups (18.3%, 25.3%, and 39.9% of patients with mild, moderate, and severe pruritus, respectively).

Conclusion

In this study, a third of patients on hemodialysis experienced moderate or severe pruritus, and HRQoL decreased with pruritus severity.

Funding

  • Commercial Support – CSL Vifor