Prospective study on chronic kidney disease and the prevalence of pruritus among internal medicine patients

The prevalence and severity of pruritus over six months is assessed among 124 internal medicine patients diagnosed with varying stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pruritus was observed in over half the cohort, with increasing frequency in advanced CKD stages. Severity was correlated with elevated serum urea and phosphorus levels. Sleep disturbance and reduced quality of life were common among affected individuals. Thus, we show the clinical relevance of pruritus in CKD management.