Comparison of the efficacy and safety of zinc sulfate vs. placebo in the treatment of pruritus of hemodialytic patients: a pilot randomized, triple-blind study
Mapar MA, et al.
Published in Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia
Methodology
Pilot randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial in haemodialysis patients; zinc sulfate 220 mg/day or matched placebo for 4 weeks; pruritus assessed at baseline and weekly using a modified Duo score covering severity, distribution and sleep disturbance.
Key Findings
40 haemodialysis patients with uraemic itch were randomised to zinc sulfate 220 mg/day or matched placebo for 4 weeks, with 36 completing. Mean itch scores fell in both groups over the first two weeks, more so with zinc, and itch stopped completely in 4 of 20 zinc patients (20%) versus 1 of 20 on placebo (5%). Neither comparison reached statistical significance (p = 0.88 and p = 0.56), which the authors attribute to the small sample.
Conclusions
Oral zinc sulfate 220 mg/day for four weeks appeared safe but did not significantly reduce uremic pruritus versus placebo.
Limitations
A pilot study of only 36 completers over 4 weeks, underpowered for its endpoints, so the apparent advantage for zinc is not statistically supported.
Supplements Studied
Our findings demonstrated that oral zinc sulfate (220 mg/d) during four weeks treatment might be safe and effective in discontinuation of uremic pruritus, but it was not significant.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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