Calcium ions are abnormally distributed in the skin of haemodialysis patients with uraemic pruritus

Abstract

In chronic haemodialysis patients with pruritus, the calcium ion concentration in the deepest layer of the epidermis was increased, which indicated a disrupted calcium ion gradient in the skin. These findings point to a role for increased skin calcium ion concentrations in the development and/or maintenance of uraemic pruritus. However, more extensive studies in larger patient cohorts will be necessary to confirm this hypothesis.