A topical cannabis cream reduces pruritus severity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving dialysis, according to a study in Kidney Medicine.
The randomized, double-blind trial included 60 patients on hemodialysis (mean age, 61.6 years) with CKD-associated pruritus. All scored 3 or higher on the Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale, with a mean baseline score of 6.7.
Patients were assigned to receive a specially prepared cannabis cream incorporating 5% cannabis oil containing cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. Controls received a placebo cream that did not contain cannabis.
At 4 weeks, the mean Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale score decreased to 2.6 in patients receiving cannabis cream and to 3.6 in the placebo group. After adjustment for baseline scores, use of the cannabis cream was associated with a −1.1 difference. Patients assigned to the cannabis cream also showed improvement in itch-related quality, based on reduction in the Skindex-10 score. However, the difference was nonsignificant after adjustment for baseline scores. No adverse effects were recorded in either group.
Pruritus is a bothersome symptom associated with CKD, for which current medications are often ineffective. By acting against inflammation, oxidation, and peripheral nerve activation, cannabinoids might be useful treatments for CKD-associated pruritus.
The randomized trial shows a promising reduction in severity with a cannabis-containing topical cream in patients on dialysis with CKD-associated pruritus. The researchers call for further studies with longer follow-up in larger patient samples, including assessment of itch-related quality of life [Anumas S, et al. Cannabis-containing cream for CKD-associated pruritus: A double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Kidney Med, published online August 16, 2024. https://www.kidneymedicinejournal.org/article/S2590-0595(24)00105-5/fulltext].
