Non-Pharmacological Treatments of Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients: A Review Study

Context: Pruritus in hemodialysis patients is one of the most common disturbing symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure. Non-pharmacological treatments can be useful in reducing patients’ pruritus, however, few reviews have been published in this regard. The aim of this study was to provide non-pharmacological treatments for hemodialysis patients. Evidence Acquisition: The review study was conducted by searching electronic databases and search engines since 1990 to October 2017. The articles were included in the study that examined the effects of non-pharmacological treatments on pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Results: A total of 13 studies on non-pharmacological treatments affecting pruritus were reviewed. These treatments included phototherapy, aromatherapy, high flux dialyzer, acupressure, and cold dialysis. A review of studies has shown that phototherapy is not effective in treating the hemodialysis patients’ pruritus. High flux dialyzer had the most effect in reducing pruritus. Other non-pharmacological treatments such as aromatherapy, acupressure, and cold dialysis also had an effect on pruritus relief. Conclusion: Finally, it can be concluded that high flux dialyzer is an effective non-pharmacological way to control pruritus during hemodialysis. However, little studies have been done on therapies such as acupressure and cold dialysis. A repeat of these studies with a larger sample size are recommended.