Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Haemodialysis Patients: Insights Into Pruritus, Interleukin-31 and Skin Hydration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v9i1.2885Keywords:
chronic kidney disease, interleukin-31, pruritus, skin hydration, xerosisAbstract
Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common complication of maintenance haemodialysis. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) and impaired skin hydration may contribute to its multifactorial pathophysiology. To describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of haemodialysis patients, focusing on pruritus severity, serum IL-31 concentrations and stratum corneum hydration. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 45 adults with stage 5 chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance haemodialysis in Medan, Indonesia, recruited using consecutive sampling. Pruritus severity was assessed using the UP-Dial questionnaire, stratum corneum hydration using a Corneometer CM 825, and serum IL-31 concentrations using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. The mean age was 54.9 ± 11.9 years, and 51.1% of participants were female. Pruritus was mild in 57.8%, moderate in 22.2% and severe in 20.0%. Mean skin hydration was 28.88 ± 7.77 arbitrary units, with 84.4% classified as having very dry skin. Mean serum IL-31 concentration was 76.32 ± 60.26 pg/mL, with the highest mean concentration observed in patients with severe pruritus (134.78 ± 102.97 pg/mL). Mild pruritus predominated among haemodialysis patients, while reduced skin hydration was common. Serum IL-31 concentrations showed considerable variability, with the highest mean levels observed in severe pruritus. These findings highlight the heterogeneous clinical and biochemical characteristics of this population.
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