# Case Report: Sympathetic nerve block treat chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus

## TL;DR

This case report shows that sympathetic nerve blocks can reduce itching and improve quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of sympathetic nerve block for treating CKD-associated pruritus.

## Key findings

- Sympathetic nerve block significantly reduced pruritus intensity in three patients.
- Patients experienced improved sleep quality and daily functioning after the procedure.

## Abstract

Uremia is the advanced stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by the accumulation of metabolic waste products in the blood as a result of the kidneys' inability to meet the body's metabolic demands. Patients with uremia frequently experience a range of complications, including renal anemia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease, all of which significantly impair their quality of life. Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common comorbidity in uremic patients, particularly among those undergoing hemodialysis, with prevalence rates ranging from 10 to 77%. This case report enrolled three patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-ap) who underwent ultrasound-guided sympathetic nerve blockade procedures. The results demonstrated significant reductions in pruritus intensity concurrent with measurable enhancements in sleep quality and daily functioning.