The effect of the omega-3 supplement on uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients; a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and uremic syndrome cause malfunction in most of organs including skin. This study was designed to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplement on uremic pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients. In this double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial study (#IRCT cod; 29363; http://irct.ir/trial/29363), the effect of the omega-3 supplement on uremic pruritus was assessed in 64 chronic hemodialysis patients (using standard 5-D itch scale questionnaire). Patients were surveyed at the hemodialysis department of Imam Khomeini and Razi hospitals in Ahvaz city, Iran. We found that the mean score of itching degree in the intervention and the placebo groups decreased from 3.56 to 1.72 (P<0.001) and 3.63 to 3.09 (P<0.05) respectively. In our study, the omega-3 supplement could reduce uremic pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients.