Frequency of Nail Deformities in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Nail disorders are common in patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Even though there are some studies regarding nail disorders in peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant patients, to the best of our knowledge, sparse local data is present on nail disorders among maintenance hemodialysis patients. Aim: To determine the frequency of nail disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Study design: Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Dept of Nephrology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from 1st February 2019 to 1st August 2019. Methodology: Two hundred and ninety two cases were enrolled. The nails of the patients were inspected and shot by utilizing a 10-megapixelcamera. The photos were subsequently reviewed independently by two dermatologists and one nephrologist. Results: There were 198 (67.8%) males and 94 (32.2%) females. The mean age was 47.3±12.4 years. The overall frequency of nail disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis was 197(67.5%). According to nail disorders distribution, 119(40.8%) had half and half nail, while 56(19.2%) had splinter hemorrhage, 47(16.1%) had absent lunula, 16 (5.5%) had chromonychia, 15(5.1%) had Beau’s line, 19(6.5%) had melanonychia and 52(17.8%) had onycholysis. Conclusion: The frequency of nail problems in CKD patients treated by hemodialysis is 67.5%. This finding highlights the need for nail evaluation as a component of periodic examination in hemodialysis patients. Key words: Chronic kidney disease, Haemodialysis, Nail disorders.