Information and consensus document for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in patients on haemodialysis in Spain.

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is one of the most common and disabling comorbidities in patients with advanced CKD. In addition, it is associated with an increased risk of mortality, poorer quality of life, sleep disorders, mental health disorders, and increased use of health care resources. The clinical presentation of CKD-aP is very heterogeneous, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. Currently, there are no national guidelines on the management of CKD-aP. The aim of this document is to provide national consensus recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of CKD-aP. The document was prepared in three phases: a diagnostic and therapeutic management algorithm was proposed by a small group of nephrology specialists; the proposal was validated by a larger group of nephrologists; and a second validation by a multidisciplinary group that also included dermatology specialists. The diagnostic and therapeutic management algorithm attempts to cover the current need of a lack of specific guidelines for the adequate management of CKD-aP. At the same time, it introduces the use of difelikefalin, the first and only drug specifically approved for CKD-aP, with a good safety and efficacy profile.

[Assessment of diet in patients with chronic kidney diseases without dialysis and relationship with the nutritional status]. / Evaluación de la dieta en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica sin diálisis y su relación con el estado nutricional.

BACKGROUND: Diet is one of the pillars of the treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease without dialysis (NDD-CKD). Despite this, very few studies have evaluated the diet in Spanish population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diet of a group of patients with advanced CKD, comparing it with the recommendations, and its relation with nutritional status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 74 patients (39 men), with a mean age of 70.9 ± 13.6 years and creatinine clearance of 15.3 ± 2.1 mL/min. Biochemical, anthropometric and intake variables (3-day dietary record) were collected, comparing them with the recommendations for patients with CKD and, if they did not exist, with nutritional recommendations and objectives for the Spanish population. The nutritional status was assessed by modified criteria of protein-energy wasting (PEW). RESULTS: The mean energy intake was 23.2 ± 6.5 kcal/kg body weight/day, and the protein intake was 0.93 ± 0.2 g/kg body weight/day. Men had a higher intake of alcohol and vitamin D whereas women presented a higher intake of trans fatty acids and vitamin B1. In addition, 91.4% of patients had high intake of phosphorus and 73% of potassium. Only 2.7% showed an adequate intake of vitamin D and 21.6% of folates; 18.9% of patients presented PEW. A positive correlation was found between albumin, body mass index (BMI) and creatinine clearance. CONCLUSION: Most patients with non-dialysis CKD do not meet dietary recommendations or nutritional goals, regardless of gender and PEW status, considering renal function as a limiting factor.