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The Efficacy of Hemp-containing Cream Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus

This Study Aims to Compare the Efficacy of Hemp-containing Cream and a Placebo in the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients. Patients Were Randomly Assigned Either the Hemp-containing Cream or a Placebo and Evaluated the WI-NRS and Skindex-10 Scores at Week 2, 4.

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 1Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06159686
Enrollment
60
Registered
2023-12-07
Start date
2023-09-15
Completion date
2023-12-08
Last updated
2024-03-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Uremic Pruritus

Keywords

Hemp, Uremic pruritus, hemodialysis, cannabinoid

Brief summary

Uremic pruritus is a significant burden on hemodialysis patients, affecting approximately 46% of individuals undergoing dialysis. Various mechanisms, including inadequate dialysis, increased uremic toxins, inflammatory cytokines, parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, dry skin, mast cell histamine secretion, and nerve stimulation through μ-opioid receptors and nociceptors, contribute to uremic pruritus. Current treatments include antihistamines, gabapentin, moisturizer creams, and capsaicin creams, with limited success, as only 10% of patients find relief. Cannabinoids were also mentioned in uremic pruritus treatment but are less commonly used and there are no randomised controlled trial. Cannabinoid binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors inhibits mast cell differentiation, aggregation, and histamine release, whereas cannabinoid binding to TRP-iron receptors reduces peripheral nerve activation. Thus, cannabinoid seem to effective in relieving pruritus via various mechanisms. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a hemp-containing cream in comparison to a placebo for treating uremic pruritus among hemodialysis patients.

Detailed description

Eligible participants is randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a hemp-containing cream or a placebo. then, they are assessed for the severity of itching symptoms using the WI-NRS and their itch-related quality of life using the Skindex-10 score at baseline, week 2, and week 4 of the study. Additionally, adverse effects are documented. Data is collected by the research assistant and recorded in computer with locking password and also was validated with second assistant. We planned for a sample size of 60 participants to detect differences in itchinEligible participants is randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a hemp-containing cream or a placebo. then, they are assessed for the severity of itching symptoms using the WI-NRS and their itch-related quality of life using the Skindex-10 score at baseline, week 2, and week 4 of the study. Additionally, adverse effects are documented. Data is collected by the research assistant and recorded in computer with locking password and also is validated with second assistant. For statistical analysis, continuous variables are compared using an unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Categorical variables are compared using a Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The adjusted mean difference is used Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) , adjusted by score at baseline. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata v.17.0 (StataCorp, Texas).

Interventions

DRUGHemp

The application of the hemp-containing cream occurred in the morning and evening on the itching areas, excluding the face for 4 weeks.

DRUGPlacebo

The application of the placebo cream occurred in the morning and evening on the itching areas, excluding the face for 4 weeks.

Sponsors

Thammasat University Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Adults ≥ 18 years old, diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease * Undergoing thrice-weekly chronic hemodialysis for more than 90 days * Exhibit a WI-NRS score of 3 or higher

Exclusion criteria

* Ahistory of hemp allergy * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Dermatologic diseases * Adjustments to medications for controlling itch within the 14 days preceding the study.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
WI-NRS (Worst Itching Numerical Rating scale) score at week 4week 4WI-NRS score will demonstrate the severity of itch at week 4. The minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 10. The higher scores mean a worse outcome.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
WI-NRS at week 2week 2WI-NRS score will demonstrate the severity of itch at week 2. The minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 10. The higher scores mean a worse outcome. The minimum score is 10 and maximum score is 60. The higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Skindex-10 score at weeks 2 and 4week 2 and 4Skindex-10 score will demonstrate the itch-related quality of life at week 2 and 4. The minimum score is 10 and maximum score is 60. The higher scores mean a worse outcome.
the mean difference score between baseline and week 4 for WI-NRS and the Skindex-10 scoreweek 4The change of WI-NRS score and Skindex-10 score between baseline and week 4 represents the change of severity and QOL after complete study (week4) compare to baseline. The greater different scores mean a better outcome.

Countries

Thailand

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 6, 2026