Hand massage to relieve itching in people on hemodialysis
Effect of Hand Massage on Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Pruritus in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: a Mixed Methods Study
This project will try regular hand massage to see if it reduces itching and improves sleep and quality of life for adults on hemodialysis with CKD-associated pruritus.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07312916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This mixed-methods randomized trial will assign 54 adults on hemodialysis with CKD-associated pruritus to either nurse-delivered hand massage or a verbal-attention control over three months. Quantitative outcomes (numeric rating scale, 5D Itch Scale, and KDQOL-SF v1.2) will be collected at baseline, one month, and three months. Twelve participants who receive the hand massage will take part in qualitative interviews to describe their experiences. The intervention is non-invasive and low-risk and the trial will explore both symptom change and possible mechanisms such as autonomic or neuropathic effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) on hemodialysis for at least three months who speak French, report CKD-associated pruritus by VAS, and can give informed consent are eligible.
Not a fit: People with cognitive impairment, those who begin anti-pruritic medications after enrollment, or those who do not have CKD-aP or cannot attend the participating centers are unlikely to receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, hand massage could provide a safe, non-drug option to reduce itching and improve sleep and quality of life for people on hemodialysis.
How similar studies have performed: A few small short-term massage studies reported symptom improvement measured 48 hours after intervention, but longer-term randomized evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥18 years * on hemodialysis ≥ three months * able to communicate in French * diagnosed with CKD-aP based on VAS * signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with cognitive impairment - * participants who have been prescribed CKD-aP medications after enrollment in study.
Where this trial is running
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud and 3 other locations
- Chuv — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
- Dialyse Riviera — Vevey, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
- Etablissements hospitaliers du Nord Vaudois - Hôoital d'Yverdon-les-Bains eHnv — Yverdon-les-Bains, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
- Hug — Geneva, Switzerland (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nancy Helou, PhD
- Email: nancy.helou@hesav.ch
- Phone: 0787833827
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.