A Clinical Study of Cutaneous Manifestations of Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe kidneys and the skin are two important organs whose blood supply far exceeds their demand, the former for maintaining the milieu interior and the latter for rendering man homoeothermic. Changes of the skin are frequently seen in patients with kidney disease and in those who are undergoing dialysis. A number of diseases are characterised by distinctive cutaneous and renal manifestations. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study spanned a course of 6 months from January 2011 to June 2011. During this period 82 patients admitted in the Nephrology ward of Osmania General Hospital for dialysis as well as those patients referred to the Dermatology Outpatient Department from the Nephrology Department were screened for evidence of cutaneous manifestations of kidney disease. Of these, 50 patients who had the presence of skin manifestations were selected and studied, both sexes and all age groups were included in the study. RESULTSOut of 50 patients in the age group of 1-70 years, (66%) maximum number of patients were observed between 3rd to 5th decade while least number in 1st and 2nd decade. Youngest Patient studied -Male, 7 Years. Oldest patient studied -Male, 69 Years. Xerosis or dryness of the skin was seen in 28 patients. 14 patients out 50 showed pallor. Pruritus was seen in 12 patients. Purpura was seen in 3 patients. Perforating dermatoses was seen in 3 patients. Fungal infections were seen in 9 patients. Bacterial infections were seen in 5 patients. Viral infections were seen in 4 patients. Scabies was seen in 2 patients. Sparse scalp hair was reported in 7. Specific nail changes were seen in 19 patients. CONCLUSIONSAmong the various cutaneous manifestations, xerosis and pigmentary changes topped the list of prevalence with Xerosis 56%, Pallor 28%. Pruritus was seen in 24% of patients. Nearly, 6% had perforating dermatosis. The Prevalence of hair abnormalities in our study was 14%. Prevalence of nail changes were seen in 38% of cases. Cutaneous infections were seen in 36% of patients.