Skin changes and dermatological life quality index in chronic kidney disease patients in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous changes commonly occur in chronic kidney disease (CKD), however, there is limited information on its effect on quality of life of these patients. This study determined the prevalence and pattern of skin changes in CKD patients and their effects on the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) of the patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved stages 3-5 CKD patients who were examined for skin changes. The effects of the observed skin changes on DLQI were assessed using the standardized DLQI questionnaire.

RESULTS

One hundred and five CKD patients participated in the study consisting of 56 males and 49 females with a mean age of 51.93 ± 15.23 years. The prevalence of cutaneous changes was 94.3%. Common skin manifestations were pallor 99 (94.3%), hyperpigmentation 58 (55.2%), fluffy hair 55 (52.4%), Lindsay nails 48 (45.7%), and pruritus 44 (41.9%). The effect of dermatoses on DLQI was mild in 34 (32.4%), moderate in 13 (12.4%), and severe in 4 (3.8%).There was no significant association between dermatoses and CKD stage. There was significant positive correlation between DLQI scores and number of skin dermatoses (r = 0.522, P = <0.001), duration on maintenance hemodialysis (r = 322, P = 0.017). There was significant negative correlation between DQOL scores and packed cell volume (r = -0.232, P = 0.022). On multiple regression analysis, number of dermatoses was the only significant predictor of DLQI (P = <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Skin changes occur commonly in CKD patients and significantly affected their DLQI. This study highlights the significant burden that skin changes add to CKD.