ABSTRACT

Nail changes are often observed in patients with end-stage renal disease. These changes may occur due to chronic renal failure itself or to the treatment. This study aims to investigate the frequency of nail findings in patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy and to compare with healthy controls.

One hundred and four patients with chronic renal failure treated with hemodialysis, and 104 healthy controls without any dermatological and sistemic diseases, were examined for nail signs. Groups were compared for the incidence of nail findings.

74.4% of hemodialysis patients, and 51.9% of controls had at least one nail finding. The most common signs in hemodialysis patients were (58.7%) absence of lunula, (40.5%) streaking, (15.7%) terry nail and (14.9%) half and half nail. In the control group, the most common signs were vertical streaking (36.5%), absence of lunula (8.7%) and coilonichi (2.9%). In hemodialysis patients, absence of lunula, beau lines, onycomycosis, terry nail, half and half nail and splinter hemorrhages were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05).

The frequency of nail diseases in hemodialysis patients is higher than in the healthy control group. In our study, absence of lunula is the most frequently observed finding in hemodialysis patients. Although the second most common nail change was vertical streaking, it was not different from the control group statistically. We recommend that, when hemodialysis patients are examined, nail examination (as a part of physical examination) should be performed. (Turk J Dermatol 2012; 6: 35-8)