Oropharyngeal and otorhinological changes in end stage renal patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to assess oropharyngeal and otorhinolaryngological changes in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis and correlate the findings to renal functions. Material and Methods: This case-control study compared oral and otorhinolaryngological findings in 85 patients with (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis to age and sex matched 85 healthy controls. Frequencies of findings were calculated and compared and correlation between biochemical and the oral health parameters in case group was determined using T-test, chi-square and Pearson correlation test (significance were set at P<0.05). Results: The frequency of oral signs and mucosal symptoms were significantly higher among ESRD compared to healthy controls. Dry mouth (34.12%), bad odour (32.94%), increased tongue coating (50.59%) and pale mucosa (45.88%) were the most commonly reported. Otorhinolaryngological findings was higher in cases than in controls, with otomycosis (10.59%) and allergic rhinitis (5.88%) being the most frequent findings. Serum creatinine and blood urea mean levels were higher in ESRD patients with oral and otorhinolaryngological findings compared to those without findings. Conclusions: Oral and nasal manifestations in patients with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis were significantly higher in comparison to healthy individuals and were related to their serum creatinine and blood urea mean levels.