Study of dyspnoea in patients with chronic kidney disease at KIMS

<p>Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common heaith problem with Increasing prevaience. Dyspnea Is a common chief compiaints in them resulting from cardiopulmonary complications.</p> <p>Aims and objectives: To study the prevalence, causes of dyspnea in CKD and impact of hemodialysis on dyspnea among these patients attending KIMS, Hubballi. Methodology: 64 patients diagnosed with CKD were included. Clinical evaluation, RFT, electrolytes, CBC, ECG, CXR and echocardiography were done and then assessed.</p> <p>Results: The mean age was 43.09 &plusmn;14.89. Gender distribution of the patients was 3.57:1 (male: female). 56 (87.5%) had chief complaints of dyspnea. In patients of dyspnea, etiology was multifactorlal. Anaemia was the most common cause. Pulmonary edema was seen in 18(32.1%), pleural effusion in 15(26.8%), left venticular dysfunction in 8(14.3%), ascites In 16(28.6%) pulmonary hypertension in 25(44.6%) and metabolic acidosis In 50(89.3%). Interdialysis weight gain was higher among the patients with dyspnea. Dyspnea reduced with hemodialysis and correction of metabolic acidosis. With erythropoietin therapy, anaemia and subsequently dyspnea Improved.</p> <p>Conclusion: Dyspnea is a common chief complaint in CKD and of multifactorial etiology. Anemia is the most common cause. Pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, left ventricular dysfunction and volume overload are the predominant causes. Pulmonary hypertension can be solely responsible for dyspnea and is a recently recognized complication of CKD. Dyspnea reduced with hemodialysis and on correction of anemia, metabolic acidosis and other causes of dyspnea</p>