Is There a Role for 5-HT Receptor Antagonists in the Treatment of Opioid-Induced Pruritus?

Pruritus is an unpleasant irritation symptom that can be related to various systemic and dermatological conditions. Although underreported, pruritus is a common adverse event noted after use of opioid pain medications. This article reviews the current understanding of the mechanism of opioid-induced pruritus (OIP) and various pharmacological therapies.

Palliative dialysis in end-stage renal disease.

Dialysis patients are often denied hospice benefits unless they forego dialysis treatments. However, many of those patients might benefit from as-needed dialysis treatments to palliate symptoms of uremia, fluid overload, etc. The current Medicare payment system precludes this "palliative dialysis" except in those few cases where the terminal diagnosis is unrelated to renal failure.