Gabapentin for uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients: a qualitative systematic review

Abstract Purpose of the review Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common discomfort of dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease. Some studies suggest a neuropathic cause of UP. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, has shown promising results as an emerging drug to treat this condition. Objective An updated qualitative systematic review was conducted to evaluate its efficacy and safety in hemodialysis patients. Source of information Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar through June 2015 were used as sources of information. Patients Patients are adult hemodialysis patients receiving gabapentin for UP. Methods All randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, observational studies, open-label studies, and retrospective studies were included. Case series and case reports were excluded. All descriptions and data were extracted independently by two authors. Results Seven studies evaluating gabapentin with a total of 179 patients were i...
Source: Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research