Therapy of Pruritus in Haemodialyzed Patients by UV Radiation

Overview

Patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CHRI) suffer usually from generalized pruritus whichis difficult to control. One of the treatments which can have a favourable effect on pruritus is UVradiation. Fifteen patients were exposed to the action of UVB radiation in doses from 20 to 45 s for1 min 20 s to 18 min (i.e. 0.09 - 0.18 J/cm 2 to 1.9 - 4.32 J/cm 2 ). Ten treated patients perceived markedregression of pruritus after irradiation, three a slight relief and in two a change in the intensity ofitching did not occur. Another four affected patients were exposed to the action of UVA radiation,from 0.5 J/cm 2 to 10.0 J/cm 2. But with the exception of one female patient the authors did not havethe impression that the pruritus improved after irradiation. It seems that UVB acts more favourablyon inhibition of pruritus and can be thus used as an effective method extending contemporaryantipruriginous treatment in patients with CHRI. So far it is however difficult to explain this morefavourable effect.

Key words:
pruritus - UV radiation - haemodialysis