Can tiny needles stop the itch? new study tests acupuncture for dialysis patients

NCT ID NCT07030465

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Indonesia University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether press needle acupuncture can reduce severe itching in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. 38 patients received either a real press needle or a sham (fake) needle on specific acupoints for 4 weeks. The goal was to see if the real needle improved itching scores more than the sham, with a follow-up 4 weeks later.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: press needle acupuncture
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug option to ease severe itching for people on dialysis.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 38 participants. The sham needle may also provide some relief, making it hard to prove real benefit. Risks include skin irritation or infection at the needle site.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

end stage renal failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE REQUIRING CHRONIC DIALYSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Universitas Indonesia

Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia

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