Cutaneous Biophysical Parameters in Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease and the Relationship with Water Content and Severity of Pruritus

Abstract

Background: Local cutaneous change is one of the factors involved in the pathophysiology of skin manifestations in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: To determine the skin's biophysical parameters in different CKD stages and the relationship with biochemical and hematological parameter, pruritus severity, and body water content. Methods: A cross sectional study involving stage 1-5 CKD patients aged ≥ 50 years was performed. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, pH and body water content were measured at eight sites. Results: A total of 83 patients aged 66.8 ± 8.4 years participated. There were no differences in TEWL, hydration, pH, and body water between the CKD stages and pruritus severity. Pruritus did not correlate with biophysical, haematological, and biochemical parameters.