Study of Polymethylmethacrylate Dialysis Membranes to Reduce Itching and Improve Quality of Life in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of polymethylmethacrylate PMMA dialysis membranes on the intensity of itching pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease CKD stage 5D who are receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The trial compares PMMA membranes to standard polysulfone membranes to see if PMMA can reduce moderate-to-severe itching and improve quality of life related to pruritus. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive maintenance hemodialysis using either PMMA membranes or polysulfone membranes for 2 months. The PMMA membrane is a device with unique adsorption properties, while polysulfone membranes are widely used for effective removal of toxins during dialysis. Each group undergoes their assigned treatment over the study period. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires measuring the intensity of itching and its impact on daily life. Researchers will assess outcomes using the 5D Elman Itch Scale and other itch-related scores from enrollment through 8 weeks of treatment and during 4 weeks of follow-up. Blood tests for inflammation and iron stores will also be monitored. The study runs from January 2025 to October 2025, with all visits and assessments designed to track the effects of the dialysis membranes on pruritus.

Effect of Kidney Replacement Therapy with Polymethylmethacrylate Membranes on Pruritus-related Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Maintenance Haemodialysis