Therapeutic Effects of Press Needle on 5-D Pruritus Scale in Hemodialysis Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus

Device: Press Needle (PN) PN is applied unilaterally on acupoints LI11, SP10, ST36, and SP6 alternately. It consists of an adhesive patch with a small sterile needle retained for 3-4 days before replacement. This procedure is repeated over a 4-week period. Needle sizes is 0.22 × 1.5 mm), and all procedures follow standard aseptic protocols. PN provides prolonged stimulation with cumulative effects in a minimally invasive manner. Participants continue their routine hemodialysis and conventional treatments for CKD-associated pruritus (CKDaP).

Sham PN uses adhesive patches without needles, applied to the same acupoints (LI11, SP10, ST36, and SP6) with the same retention schedule (3-4 days over 4 weeks) as the intervention group. All procedures, including placement and instructions, are performed identically to maintain blinding. There is no skin penetration or real acupoint stimulation. Participants continue their routine hemodialysis and conventional treatments for CKDaP.