Frequency of folate deficiency in chronic kidney disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Objective: To determine the frequency of folate deficiency in chronic kidney disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis presenting to Nephrology OPD of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. Study Design: Descriptive, Cross sectional. Period: 11th January 2021 to 10th July 2021. Setting: Department of Outpatient Nephrology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Methods: A total of 142 patients diagnosed with CKD on dialysis sessions were selected for the study in a consecutive sampling manner and observed for folate deficiency. Results: The mean age group of our sample was 45.6+ 7.4 years of which 42.2% male patients and 57.8% female patients. The mean duration of dialysis (months) was 9.2+ 5.1 months. Folate deficiency in dialysis patients were recorded in 69.7 % of patients. Conclusion: Folate deficiency is very common in our dialysis dependent population. Its deficiency could be due to multiple factors including malnutrition, drugs and dialysis itself. It is important to routinely screen dialysis dependent population for this potentially reversible complication to prevent damage. We recommend further multicenter studies to detect this observation and to form comprehensive guidelines to prevent our patients at risk.