Ms Jing Xin Goh1, Ms Linda Do1, Dr Connie Van1, Dr Wubshet Tesfaye2, A/Prof Kamal Sud3,4, A/Prof Ronald Castelino1,5
1School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University Of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, 2School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 3Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, 4Nepean Kidney Research Centre, Department of Renal Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, Australia, 5Pharmacy Department, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, Australia
Biography:
Jing Xin has recently completed her MPhil at the University of Sydney, where she conducted research on “The Impact of Medication Regimen Complexity on Patient-Centred Outcomes in Kidney Failure.” Her passion for clinical pharmacy was ignited during her previous work experience in hospital and health clinic settings. Jing is dedicated to advancing the field of nephrology and improving the care of patients with renal diseases. She is eager to contribute her knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in this critical area of healthcare.
Abstract:
Background
Chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a distressing and under-recognised symptom in advanced CKD. Although its impact on quality of life, sleep, mood, and overall symptom burden is well documented, most research has focused on haemodialysis populations. Evidence in peritoneal dialysis (PD) cohorts remains limited.
Aim
To determine the prevalence of CKD-aP in PD patients and to examine its association with patient-reported outcomes.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (≥18 years) undergoing PD within Western Sydney. CKD-aP and its severity were assessed using the 5-D Itch Scale and the Worst Itch Numerical Rating Scale (WI-NRS), respectively. Symptom burden was evaluated with the IPOS-Renal Scale, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the SF-36, and depression/anxiety with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (Version 24), with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results
Among 160 PD patients (mean age 62 ± 16 years; 52% male), 59.1% were on automated PD. CKD-aP was reported by 114 patients (71%), of whom 84 (74%) experienced moderate to severe itch. Higher serum phosphate levels were significantly associated with CKD-aP (p = 0.006). Patients with moderate to severe CKD-aP reported poorer HRQoL, greater insomnia severity and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
CKD-aP affected more than two-thirds of PD patients, with most experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. The condition was significantly associated with higher serum phosphate levels and poorer patient-reported outcomes. Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors and develop targeted management strategies.