Evaluating laser acupuncture for treating itching in kidney patients
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture on Uremic Pruritus-Randomized Controlled Trial Double Blind
This study is testing whether laser acupuncture can help reduce itching in kidney patients who are on hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dalin, Chiayi) |
| Trial ID | NCT06875115 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of laser acupuncture in alleviating uremic pruritus among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Sixty participants are randomly assigned to receive either laser acupuncture or sham treatment during their dialysis sessions, with sessions occurring three times a week for four weeks. The severity of itching is assessed using the 5-D Pruritus Scale and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) before and after the intervention to determine any improvements. The study aims to provide insights into alternative treatment options for this common and distressing symptom in uremic patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 and older who are on hemodialysis and meet specific health criteria related to uremia.
Not a fit: Patients with acute illnesses, certain skin conditions, or those who have recently used specific medications for itching may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce itching and improve the quality of life for patients with uremic pruritus.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of acupuncture for various conditions has been explored, the specific application of laser acupuncture for uremic pruritus is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 20 years. * Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels \< 68 pg/mL (patients with -thyroidectomy excluded). * Urea nitrogen (BUN) clearance rate (Kt/V) ≥ 1.2 at each dialysis session. * Serum phosphate levels \< 5.5 mg/dL. * Receiving hemodialysis three times weekly for at least three consecutive months. * No history of acute illnesses like infections or cardiovascular disease. * Avoiding a high-phosphorus diet. * Adjusting dialysate calcium concentration to 8.6-10 mg/dL. * Replacing the artificial kidney or increasing dialysis blood flow Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or nursing. * History of photosensitivity. * Recent use of systemic or local medications for pruritus (e.g., immunosuppressants, opioid agonists/antagonists, glucocorticoids, antihistamines, ultraviolet B therapy). * Hepatobiliary dysfunction based on medical history and liver function tests. * Malignancies. * Other itchy skin conditions diagnosed by a dermatologist. * Wounds near acupuncture points, contraindicating laser acupuncture
Where this trial is running
Dalin, Chiayi
- Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital — Dalin, Chiayi, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yinghsu Juan, doctor
- Email: ddjjaa@tcts.seed.net.tw
- Phone: 8860919828207
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.