Omega‑3 Supplementation Improves Pruritus in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Crossover Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial

Pruritus is a prevalent skin condition in end‑stage renal disease patients. Omega‑3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Our objective was to assess the effect of 3 g/day omega‑3 supplementation on pruritus among continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.

In this two‑period, two‑sequence crossover randomized clinical trial, 40 eligible subjects (CAPD patients who complained of pruritus for more than 8 weeks) were randomized to 3 g of omega‑3 (n = 20) or identical placebo capsules (n = 20) for 4 weeks. After a wash‑out period of 6 weeks, patients were crossed over to the alternate treatment option. Pruritus intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline, 2‑and 4‑weeks post‑intervention in each study period. Both patients and investigators were blinded to the study protocol.

No significant carry‑over effect was detected. The mean pruritus score (VAS) in the omega‑3 group compared with placebo group after the first (−3.02 vs. −0.48, P < 0.001) and second (−4.09 vs. −0.43, P < 0.001) intervention periods showed higher significant decrease.

In summary, omega‑3 supplementation is an effective treatment for pruritus alleviation in CAPD patients. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying antipruritic effects of omega‑3.