Abstract
Background: Pruritus is a frequent and troublesome symptom in patients with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis. However, it also may occur in patients on conservative uremia treatment or undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy may be an effective treatment for patients with uremic pruritus.
Aim of Study: The current study was conducted to examine the effect of narrow band ultraviolet B on renal pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Subjects and Methods: Thirty patients with renal pruritus participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 40-60 years. They were selected from Hemodialysis Unit of Mansura University Hospitals and were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group (A) composed of 15 patients who received narrow band ultraviolet B 3 times/week for 6 weeks and medical treatment (oral antihistaminic and topical emollients). Group (B) composed of 15 patients who received only their medical treatment (antihistaminic and topical emollients). Method of evaluation was measurements of VAS and 5-D itch scale.
Results: There was a significant decrease in severity of pruritus in ultraviolet group when compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Narrow band ultraviolet B can be considered as an effective method in decreasing severity of pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease.