Efficacy of topical cromolyn sodium 4% on pruritus in uremic nephrogenic patients: a randomized double-blind study in 60 patients.
BACKGROUND
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus is a significant clinical symptom affecting more than 50% of patients on hemodialysis. The availability of effective therapeutic options for management of CKD-associated pruritus remains a treatment challenge.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare cromolyn sodium cream 4% with placebo for the treatment of renal pruritus.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, prospective, 4-week study was designed. 60 patients with ESRD in our dialysis ward were randomly allocated to cromolyn sodium cream 4% or placebo. All of them completed the study period and their pruritus levels were evaluated 5 times (before the start of the study and at the end of each week for 4 weeks) using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).


RESULTS
The average pruritus score before administration of the drug in cromolyn sodium 4% and placebo group had been 2.5 ± 1.1 and 2.7 ± 1.3, respectively. In the cromolyn sodium 4% group the average score of pruritus gradually reduced to 0.3 ± 1.3 and in the placebo group it gradually decreased to 1.3 ± 1.4 at the end of Week 4. Method of t-test repeat analytical measurement indicated that there is no significant difference between reduction of pruritus in cromolyn 4% and placebo groups in the first and second week of the study, but in third and fourth week there were significant differences in reducing pruritus in favor of cromolyn sodium 4% (p < 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
According to our study cromolyn sodium cream 4% was more effective than placebo in reducing pruritus in uremic patients. We suggest to our colleagues to consider this treatment when facing a patient suffering from this symptom.
AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Dr.feily@yahoo.com
Amir
A
Feily
Benafshe
B
Dormanesh
Ali Reza
AR
Ghorbani
Zahra
Z
Moosavi
Maryam
M
Kouchak
Bahman
B
Cheraghian
Seyed Seifollah Beladi
SS
Mousavi
Abolfath
A
Mehrabian
Nastaran
N
Ranjbari
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011537:Pruritus / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014511:Uremia / Q000150:complications*
D009824:Ointments; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium