DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i05.029

Pages: 528-532

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a frequent and often underestimated complication in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Despite improvements in renal replacement therapy, pruritus remains a major source of physical discomfort and psychological distress, significantly affecting sleep quality, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. In clinical practice, early recognition and adequate management of CKD-aP are essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce symptom burden. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and biochemical profile of CKD-associated pruritus among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at the Arrazi Hospital, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech. Pruritus severity was assessed using the Worst Itch Numerical Rating Scale (WI-NRS), while the impact on quality of life was evaluated using the Skindex-10 questionnaire. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters including serum calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and C-reactive protein were analyzed. Among the 45 patients included, 29 (64.4%) presented with CKD-associated pruritus, most frequently with generalized distribution and severe intensity. Biological abnormalities related to mineral and bone metabolism, particularly hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism, were frequently observed in affected patients. Pruritus was associated with a significant impairment in quality of life, with the majority of patients reporting moderate to severe psychosocial impact. Multimodal management including topical treatments, systemic therapies, and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy resulted in progressive improvement in symptom severity over a 12-week follow-up period. These findings highlight the substantial burden of CKD-associated pruritus in hemodialysis populations and underscore the importance of systematic screening and comprehensive multi