Jurnal Sehat Indonesia (JUSINDO)
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Jurnal Sehat Indonesia (JUSINDO)

Literature Review: How do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Impact Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients?

Jeanette Rachel Audrey Leo (Universitas Pelita Harapan)
Margaret Merlyn Tjiang (Universitas Pelita Harapan)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Sep 2026

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease-associated Pruritus (CKD-aP) is a debilitating yet often overlooked symptom. Epidemiological studies have shown that up to 40% of patients with chronic kidney disease experience moderate-to-severe pruritus. This condition is also common among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Multiple etiological factors contribute to CKD-aP, including hormonal alterations, neuropathy, increased μ- and κ-opioid receptor activity, and chronic systemic inflammation. Patients with chronic kidney disease are known to experience essential fatty acid deficiency and may therefore benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, which may help reduce inflammation and improve fatty acid balance. This review was conducted by examining prospective clinical trials investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on CKD-aP that were published in English. A literature search was performed using keywords related to chronic kidney disease, uremic pruritus, dermatology, and omega-3 fatty acids across PubMed, Scopus, and Europe PMC databases. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in overall pruritus severity compared with placebo or vegetable oil interventions. Higher-quality and more standardized studies are required before routine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can be recommended. However, preliminary evidence suggests that omega-3 supplementation may be beneficial in reducing pruritus severity among patients with CKD-aP.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jsi

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

Ruang lingkup dan fokus penelitian terkait bidang kajian dengan penekanan pada pendekatan, yang meliputi: Kesehatan Masyarakat, Kesehatan dan Keselamatan Kerja (Kesehatan Kerja; Hyperkes), Kebijakan Kesehatan (dan Analis Kesehatan), Ilmu Gizi, Epidemiologi, Teknik Kesehatan Lingkungan, Promosi ...