Effects of Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus and Xerosis on the Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: Skin problems are associated with negative effects on the overall QoL of patients undergoing hemodialysis.In particular, dry skin and itching symptoms are factors that greatly reduce patient quality of life (QoL).Objectives: This study aimed to provide a precise description of the quality of life (QoL) status of patients with mild-to-severe uremic xerosis and pruritus.Correlation tests on QoL with uremic pruritus were also investigated.Methods: The study protocols and data collection procedures were approved by the Bioethics Commission of Tbilisi State Medical University.Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.Based on the presence of uremic pruritus and/or xerosis, study subjects were divided into three groups: group 1patients with xerosis (n=37); group 2 -patients with pruritus (n=19); and group 3 -patients with pruritus and xerosis (n=40).Results: The study shows that the DLQI score in patients with xerosis is significantly lower than in groups 2 and 3 (p