Categories
Change Password!
Reset Password!
GABA analogues substantially reduce itch severity with minimal safety concerns, while opioid-based therapies—particularly difelikefalin—offer broader relief but at the cost of higher adverse events.
A comprehensive analysis issued in "Kidney International Reports" sheds new light on treatment options for chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP). Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness and safety of two major therapeutic classes—gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogues and opioid receptor–based therapies—in easing itch severity among CKD patients.
An extensive literature search was carried out on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated treatment effects on pruritus severity were incorporated. Both unidimensional scales (such as the visual analog scale, VAS) and multidimensional scales (such as the 5-D itch and Skindex-10) were considered. Data were analyzed utilizing a random-effect model. The results were represented as weighted mean difference and relative risk with 95% confidence intervals.
Out of 27 RCTs involving 2,836 patients with CKD-aP:
The results indicate that both drug classes have the potential to boost quality of life for CKD-aP sufferers, but their risk–benefit profiles differ. While GABA analogues appear safer, opioid-based options may yield broader itch relief at the cost of higher adverse reactions—particularly in therapies involving μ-receptor antagonists like nalbuphine and naltrexone. Clinicians must weigh the benefits of itch reduction against the likelihood of adverse events before making treatment decisions.
Kidney International Reports
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Analogues and Opioid-Based Therapies for CKD-Associated Pruritus
Wannasit Wathanavasin et al.
Comments (0)