A cross-sectional study of dermatologic manifestations in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis

Background: Chronic renal failure patients undergoing dialysis suffer from various side effects and complications where skin ailments are one of them. Skin is the largest and one of the most dynamic organs of the body and can be used as a window since it is easily accessible for observation and reflects changes seen in multiple organs including kidneys. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe various cutaneous manifestations in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the department of dermatology, venereology, and leprosy at a tertiary care center from November 2019 to May 2021. The demographic details and clinical manifestations were recorded. Data were recorded as numbers and percentages. For categorical data, the number and percentage were used in the data summaries, and data were analyzed by the Mann‒Whitney U test for the comparison of two data. Results: A total of 94 patients were included in the study. The most common manifestation observed was pruritus (85.1%), followed by xerosis (84%). Other findings seen in the study were mainly nonspecific changes such as pallor (59.57%), diffuse hyperpigmentation (3.2%), and ecchymosis (16%). Nail changes (56.38%) observed were half-and-half nails (22.6%), onycholysis (11%), and Beau's lines (9%). Mucosal changes (36.17%) included depapillated tongue (12.8%) and macroglossia (8.5%). Other findings such as skin infections and keloid were also noted. New finding such as angina bullosa hemorrhagica was seen in one patient. Specific change like Kyrle's disease was seen in 6.4% of the study group and 50% of these patients had concomitant diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Patients on hemodialysis present with an array of cutaneous manifestations. The most common include pruritus and xerosis. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment help alleviate many of the cutaneous manifestations posed due to hemodialysis.