Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus among Dialytic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Meta-analysis

Authors

  • Jan Bendric C. Borbe, MD Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Bryan F. Elvambuena, MD Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Francheska Angelene DR. Eugenio, MD Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Rey Jaime M. Tan, MD Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.7015

Keywords:

omega-3 fatty acids, chronic kidney disease, pruritus

Abstract

Background and Objectives. Pruritus is a common and disabling symptom affecting as much as 50-90% of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing dialysis. The pruritus experienced by these patients is often resistant to common anti-pruritic agents and has an overall negative impact on quality of life. With its antioxidant property and anti-inflammatory effects, omega-3 fatty acids have been used to alleviate pruritus. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in reducing the severity of pruritus among dialytic CKD patients.

Methods. Various electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of omega-3 fatty acids versus placebo on the pruritus scores were included. The studies were independently assessed by three reviewers. Revman version 5.4 was used to analyze the data extracted from the studies while heterogeneity was evaluated using Chi2 and I2.

Results. A total of four studies with a population of 166 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results show an overall beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids with a standardized mean difference of -1.40 (CI -1.74 to -1.05, Z=7.95, p value <0.00001). With a Chi2 of 2.91 (p=0.41) and I2 of 0%, there was no significant heterogeneity observed in the pooled analysis.

Conclusion. Overall, the results of the meta-analysis support the finding that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may have a beneficial effect on reducing the severity of pruritus among CKD patients on dialysis.

Author Biography

  • Jan Bendric C. Borbe, MD, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

     

     

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Published

2024-05-15

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Articles

How to Cite

1.
Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus among Dialytic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Meta-analysis. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2024 May 15 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];58(8). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/7015

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