Prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in end stage renal disease patients under hemodialysis in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran in 2003

Background and aim: New modalities in the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have increased their life expectancy and quality of life. A wide range of cutaneous manifestations are seen in ESRD patients. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis in the dialysis department of Imam Khomeini hospital.Materials and Methods: One hundred and four hemodialysis patients on maintenance hemodialysis in April, May, and June 2003 were interviewed and examined for skin problems.Results: Almost all patients had at least one cutaneous lesion. The most common cutaneous findings were changes in skin color and nail disorders (79.8%). The other common cutaneous manifestations were xerosis (74%) and pruritus (51%). Xerosis was more common in those patients with serum calcium level greater than 9.3 gr/dl (P<0.05). Hyperpigmentation was more frequent in patients with urine volume<500 ml (P<0.05) and in those who were more than 24 months on continuous hemodialysis (P<0.05). Pruritus was more common in those patients with a history of drinking alcohol (P<0.05). Nail involvement was seen in all 14 patients who were positive for HCV Ab, but was absent in those 5 patients who were positive for HBs Ag.Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations are very common in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis.