A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study to Determine Mucocutaneous Manifestations in Chronic Renal Failure on Hemodialysis

Background: Cutaneous involvement in chronic renal failure (CRF) is characterized by a diversity of manifestations. Hemodialysis in CRF improves the quality of life and prolongs the life expectancy of the patients, giving t ime for newer cutaneous manifestations to develop which are becoming more common. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted over a period of 1year at tertiary hospital in south India. Seventy patients of CRF who were on regular hemodialysis for a period of atleast 4 months were examined for cutaneous involvement. Results: Among the Seventy cases examined, male to female ratio was found to be 2.7:1. Mean duration of hemodialysis was 28.0 ± 9.0 months. Average dermatological manifestation per patient was found to be 3.6. In our study, xerosis and pruritus were the most common dermatological manifestation followed by skin discolouration. Other manifestations noted were Infection 30(42.9), Pallor 20(28.6), Acquired Perforating Dermatoses 5(7.1), Contact dermatitis 2(2.9), Lichen planus 1(1.4), Half and half nail 32(45.7), Splinter hemorrhage 1(1.4), Hair loss-leg 8(11.4), Brittle and lusterless hair 2(2.9). Conclusions: Cutaneous manifestation though mostly non specific are fairly common in patients of CRF on hemodialysis.