Efficacy of Pregabalin in the Management of Chronic Uremic Pruritus
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2012-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Uraemic pruritus (UP) remains a frequent and distressing problem in patients with advanced or
end-stage renal disease. Its intensity ranges from sporadic discomfort to complete
restlessness during both the day- and night-time and its distribution varies significantly
over time. Many attempts have been made to relieve this bothersome symptom in affected
patients, however with generally limited success. Incidence of UP varies widely between
studies and seems to decline over the last 30 years (from 85% in the 1970s and 50-60% in the
1980s to a 22% in the 2000s) (Gunal AI).
We use Pregabalin for the relief of diabetic neuropathic pain in patients on haemodialysis in
our centre. In addition to neuropathic pain, several of our patients have complained of
pruritus and after Pregabalin treatment, their pruritus has promptly and completely resolved.
Accordingly, we intend to conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial to
assess the effectiveness of Pregabalin in chronic UP.