Pruritus in hemodialysis (HD) patients may be associated with iron deficiency and inflammation, Brazilian researchers reported in Hemodialysis International (2009;13:38-42). Of 101 HD patients screened, 31 (30.7%) had pruritus.

Compared with patients who did not have pruritus, those who did had significantly lower transferrin saturation levels—an indicator of iron deficiency—and higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation.

From the April 01, 2009 Issue of Renal and Urology News

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Dialysis