Cutaneous Manifestations in Patients on Dialysis at Nephrology and Dermatology Units of Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and spectrum of cutaneous manifestations in patients on dialysis at Dermatology and Nephrology units of Chandka Medical College Larkana.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at dermatology and Nephrology departments, Chandka Medical College, Larkana from 30-January-2025 to 30 June 2025, on patients undergoing hemodialysis for at least 6 months, aged 18–70 years and both genders. Skin conditions such as xerosis, uremic pruritus, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, uremic frost, and calciphylaxis were assessed, along with nail changes and hair-related findings were noted. Patients were monitored for any changes in cutaneous manifestations during subsequent dialysis sessions or follow-up visits. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Overall average age of patients was 45.20 ± 15.51 years. Females were 51.2% and 48.8% were males. Pruritus was the most common condition around 52.4%, followed by xerosis 50.8% and 48.4% calciphylaxis, hyperpigmentation (31.7%), subsequently hypopigmentation 23.2% and uremic frost was noted 22.8%. Additionally, the onychomycosis being the most prevalent nail finding (53.3%), following by half-and-half nails around 54.9%, 51.2% Beau's lines, and 41.5% koilonychias, while hair thinning, alopecia and hair dryness were found in 53.3%, 52.0% and 45.1% of the cases respectively. Overall cutaneous manifestations were insignificant according to age, gender, diabetes mellitus and frequency of dialysis (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The cutaneous manifestations were observed highly frequent among patients on dialysis, with the majority suffering from multiple skin, nail, and hair defects.