Uremic pruritus.

Uremic pruritus remains one of the most frustrating and potentially disabling symptoms in patients with end-stage renal disease. It affects up to 90% of patients on dialysis. Several hypotheses have been postulated for the possible underlying etiology, but none is conclusive. Aside from kidney transplantation, which is the only definitive treatment, therapeutic approaches have largely been empirical, and no firm evidence-based treatments are available. The main goal of therapy remains to minimize the severity of pruritus and improve the quality of life especially among those who are not transplantation candidates or are waiting for surgery.