American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Therapeutic effect of topical gamma-linolenic acid on refractory uremic pruritus.
Pruritus is a bothersome symptom affecting up to 80% of dialysis patients. Lymphocyte and cytokine interaction has an important role in the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is associated with immune modulation of T lymphocytes and lymphokines. The aim of this study is to determine whether topical GLA can attenuate uremic pruritus. ⋯ GLA-rich cream is better than placebo-based cream for alleviating uremic pruritus. It is a useful adjuvant in the management of refractory uremic pruritus.