Cutaneous manifestations of end-stage renal disease

Abstract

Objectives: (1) To study the dermatological manifestations in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) of diverse etiology and (2) to compare the dermatological manifestations in patients on conservative treatment and those receiving hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients with ESRD who attended the nephrology/dermatology department of a tertiary care center were examined for dermatological manifestations. Results: All the 100 patients evaluated had at least one cutaneous manifestation. Pallor was the most common cutaneous finding in our study (64%). Xerosis was observed in 61% and pruritus in 46%. Other common findings included diffuse hyperpigmentation (22%) and cutaneous infections (20%). Specific changes noted were acquired perforating dermatoses (7%) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (2%). Nail, oral mucosa, and hair were affected in 61%, 54%, and 29% cases, respectively. No significant association was noted between dermatological manifestations and modality of treatment. Comparison of serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and calcium-phosphate product was done with pruritus and a significant association was noted between pruritus and the serum levels of phosphate and calcium-phosphate product. Limitations: Small sample size and the single center study design were the major limitations. Conclusion: Dermatological manifestations are common among patients with ESRD. Early diagnosis and prompt management of the dermatological diseases may improve the quality of life of the affected.