Research Detail
Published research demonstrating innovative phototherapy treatment for renal pruritus patients.
About Study
This prospective multi-centered cohort study included 106 adult patients with renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis. Patients presented with severe renal pruritus unresponsive to previous therapies and were treated with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy three times a week for four months.
The study was conducted across hospitals of the Jordanian Royal Medical Services between September 2018 and November 2019. Evaluation of pruritus was carried out monthly during treatment and three months following treatment cessation using the 12-Item pruritus severity scale.
Key Findings
There was significant improvement in pruritus degree in the first three months of phototherapy. The overall response rate was 76%, with pruritus severity scale decreasing from 19.1 at initiation to 9.2 at end of treatment.
Methods And Treatment
Patients received narrowband UVB phototherapy three times weekly for four months. The initial therapeutic dose was dependent on skin phototype, increased by 20% if erythema appeared or 40% if it did not. Treatment sessions were carefully conducted on the same day as hemodialysis sessions to ensure higher compliance.
Study Methodology
Prospective multi-centered cohort study approved by JRMS ethics committee.
Treatment Protocol
Narrowband UVB phototherapy three times weekly for four months.
Research Conclusions
NB-UVB phototherapy is highly effective for treating renal pruritus, though clinical response is short-lived with high relapse rate after discontinuation. The study recommends induction therapy for three months followed by maintenance therapy, possibly combining phototherapy with other systemic therapies.
