Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Hemodialysis increases the survival of patients with chronic renal failure. However, prolonged hemodialysis causes some complications including abnormal bone changes. This research was done to evaluate the frequency of the radiological changes of osteoarthropathy in hand joints in hemodialysis patients referred to Hashemi-Nejad Hospital. Patients & Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 240 hemodialysis patients who referred to Hashemi-Nejad Hospital in Tehran were evaluated. Antero-Posterior radiography of hands from finger tips to distal bones of forearm was performed in all of these patients. Results: Prevalence of osteoarthropathy was 39.5%. The most common radiologic finding was osteopenia with frequency of 36%. Other changes included: bone erosion(15%), periarticular cyst(8%), and articular narrowing(2%). Osteoarthropathy was seen in males more than females and in individuals with more than 10-year dialysis. The prevalence of vascular calcification as an incidental finding was 24%. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of osteoarthropathic changes in patients under hemodialysis. This prevalence increases with long duration of dialysis. Therefore, the early kidney transplantation is necessary for these patients. Also, the amount of aluminium in dialysis solutions should be controlled as much as possible.