Publication:

Study of dermatological manifestations amongst patients with chronic kidney disease

Background The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in India is increasing with an estimated annual incidence of about 100 per million populations. Hemodialysis is one of the therapeutic modalities which can improve the survival in these patients. About 50–100% of patients with ESRD have at least one associated cutaneous change Skin problems are common and diverse in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among those on hemodialysis. Objective was to study dermatologic manifestations among patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods A descriptive observational study was conducted in 77 consecutive chronic kidney disease patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis for more than 3 months at Manik Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.

Results Out of 77 patients, 51 (66.23) of males and 26 (23.67) of females were examined. Male: Female ratio was 1.96: 1. The mean age was 51.17±15.22 years. Seventy three (94.08) patients had at-least one skin manifestation. Xerosis was the commonest manifestation (87.01), followed by pruritus (57.14). Cutaneous infections were noted in 55.84% patients. Fungal infections were more common with 27.27%. Mild xerosis was noted in 55.84% patients, 24.67% patients were moderate and whereas severe xerosis was noted in 6.49% patients.

Conclusions Chronic kidney disease patients have prolonged life expectancy due to hemodialysis, hence they should be looked for presence of various skin manifestations which can affect the usual work and cause sleep disturbance which adds to the morbidity and mortality.