[Difelikefalin for severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in a patient in dialysis].

Abstract

In this case report, a 72-year-old male haemodialysis patient with severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) was given difelikefalin (DFK) 50 μg × 3/week after unsuccessful standard therapy including fatty cream, steroids, antihistamines, gabapentinoids, and UV-light. CKD-aP was verified by a dermatologist before DFK was given. After three weeks, CKD-aP had improved markedly. The worst itch numeric rate scale (range: 0-10) dropped to 0 from 7-8 prior to DFK. DFK caused drowsiness which disappeared when the treatment was paused. DFK dose was then reduced to 25 μg × 3/week which was well tolerated. The skin healed, except for scars caused by scratching.