Nail and hair changes in chronic kidney disease patients

Abstract

Background: Nail and hair changes occur in patients with uremia as well as in those undergoing dialysis. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to improve quality of life in CKD patients. Aim: To study nail and hair changes in chronic kidney disease patients. Material and Methods: A total of 100 patients with chronic kidney disease were studied for nail and hair changes. A thorough skin examination was done by dermatologist also and specific investigations such as skin biopsies, culture and sensitivity for bacterial infections, Gram's stain, potassium hydroxide mount, and fungal culture were performed wherever indicated. Results: Nail changes were found in 30 patients of CKD. The most common nail change being half and half nail (Lindsay nails) 12% patients. Hair changes were seen in 29 patients (29%), with the findings including sparse hair in 19 patients (19%). Nail and hair changes were predominantly found in stage 5D (18% and 11% respectively). Conclusion: The nail and hair changes were predominantly found in stage 5D. The most common nail change being half and half nail and most common hair change was sparse scalp hair. Recognizing and treating these manifestations can have multifactorial advantages in CKD patients.