Uremic pruritus: Roles of parathyroid hormone and substance P

Background: Most patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis have pruritus, but its underlying mechanism remains unknown. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is another common problem in these patients, but its role in uremic pruritus is controversial. Capsaicin can deplete substance P from the peripheral neurons and is known to be effective in the treatment of pain and itching. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the role of parathyroid hormone...