Nephrologist views regarding cannabinoid use in advanced chronic kidney disease and dialysis: a survey

Context: The efficacy and safety of cannabinoids to treat symptoms in individuals with kidney disease is uncertain.

Objectives: We sought to elicit Canadian nephrologists’ views regarding the use and study of cannabinoids in patients with kidney disease in an internet based survey of Canadian of Society of Nephrology members treating adult patients with kidney disease including dialysis.

Methods: The degree to which respondents supported the use or study of cannabinoids for symptoms common in kidney disease was assessed using a modified Likert scale ranging from 1-7 (anchored at 1 “definitely would not” and 7 being “definitely would”). Participants were asked their degree of support for cannabinoid use in clinical practice and for randomized controlled trials examining cannabinoids for: anxiety, depression, restless legs syndrome, itchiness, fatigue, chronic pain, decreased appetite, nausea/vomiting, sleep disorder and “other”. Multilevel multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of the degree of support.

Results: There were 151(43.4%) responses from 348 eligible participants. 124 (82%) previously cared for patients using prescribed cannabinoids by other providers and 29 (19%) had previously prescribed cannabinoids themselves. 137 (91%) had previously cared for patients using non-prescription cannabinoids used most commonly recreationally (88.3%), for chronic pain (73.7%), or for anxiety (52.6%). Respondents supported the use of cannabinoids (mean score >5) for each symptom in the setting of refractory symptoms. Similarly, respondents supported enrolling patients for trials for all symptoms (mean scores >5).

Conclusion: Nephrologists broadly support the use and study of cannabinoids for symptoms in patients with kidney disease.