Chronic Kidney Disease–Associated Pruritus, Still a Vexing Problem

Chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP), formerly termed uremic pruritus, is a severely distressing condition that is common (60% of patients on dialysis) and frequently underdiagnosed and untreated.1,2 The pruritus can be severe enough to diminish sleep and is associated with worse mortality rates, as demonstrated in several large studies.1,2 It can also occur in nondialysis patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD, with an increasing prevalence in patients with worsening kidney function, age, and medical comorbidities. The pathophysiology likely involves many factors and molecules.3