Publication:

Relationship of cutaneous manifestations with inflammatory markers in diabetic nephropathic patients on haemodialysis

Background Diabetic nephropathy is a serious life threatening complication of type-2 diabetes mellitus. Apart from severe kidney dysfunction these patients are prone to various cutaneous complications including psoriasis and eczema due to accumulated nitrogenous waste products. Inflammation is the basic cause of cutaneous complications and many inflammatory markers have been shown elevated in chronic kidney dysfunction. Hence a study has been planned to assess the levels of inflammatory markers such has C-reactive protein (CRP) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) as well as to correlate these markers with creatinine levels along with existing cutaneus complications.

Methods The study included 50 diabetic nephropathic patients undergoing regular heamodialysis. A heparanised blood sample was collected and plasma was employed for estimation of glucose, creatinine, CRP and IL-6. A detailed dermatological examination was done to record the cutaneous complications like pruritis, xerosis, hyper pigmentation and half & half nails.

Results The results show a significant raise in CRP and IL-6 levels in proportion to the severity of kidney dysfunction as reflected by creatinine levels. Also a positive relationship was observed between the inflammatory markers and multiplicity of cutaneous complications.

Conclusions It can be concluded from the present study that evaluation of inflammatory markers, CRP and IL-6 along with creatinine is beneficial in controlling cutanious complications in DN patients undergoing regular heamodialysis.