Efficacy of Oral Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Uremic Pruritis in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-AP) is a distressing, often overlooked condition in patients with CKD and end-stage renal  disease. It remains one of the most tormenting, frequent, and potentially disabling problems in patients with an advanced or end- stage renal disease who are on dialysis including peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly being used  for their clinical benefits some of which are relevant to individuals with advanced CKD. It was found to be a safe drug that has other  benefits on uremic pruritis such as reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and oxidative stress.

Patient  and methods: This study was performed as a randomized, clinical trial study on 36 patients under hemodialysis three times a week, for 4  hours each session to assess the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids for treatment of pruritis in hemodialysis patients.

Conclusion: Omega-3  fatty acids was found to be a safe drug and achieved a high therapeutic response with a reasonable cost that is maintained for a relatively  long period. In addition to reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and oxidative stress.