Uremic Peripheral Neuropathy in Nondiabetic Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Chronic kidney disease is a global public health problem. Emphasis has been placed on uremic peripheral neuropathy (PN) in nondiabetic chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. This complication could affect the quality of life. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of PN. This was a cross-sectional study. Evaluation of PN was made by clinical examination and electroneuromyogram. The prevalence of PN was 30.3%. The most common symptoms were paresthesia and burning. Neuropathic pain was symmetrical in the majority of cases and localized to the lower limb (60%). All patients had axonal type PN. In univariate analysis, the risk factors for PN were advanced age ( P = 0.012), hypertension ( P = 0.007), ischemic heart disease ( P = 0.036), high C-reactive protein (microinflammation) ( P = 0.002), low urea reduction ratio ( P = 0.013), and high ß2 microglobulin ( P = 0.002). Since PN is common in nondiabetic chronic HD patients, it becomes necessary to diagnose it and correct its risk factors.