Hemodialysis-related lesions of the hand

Chronic hemodialysis patients often have lesions of the hands characterized by distinctive etiopathogenic mechanisms and functional consequences. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in 116 patients with a mean age of 55.9 years and a mean hemodialysis duration of 8.17 years. Carpal tunnel syndrome was present in 28.4% of patients. Median nerve entrapment was bilateral in a large proportion of cases. Wasting of the lateral thenar muscles was often present at diagnosis, denoting advanced nerve compression. Amyloid was demonstrated in the carpal tunnel in 74% of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. Digital flexor tendon lesions responsible for trigger finger or restriction of active flexion were seen in 21.5% of patients. Erosive arthropathy manifesting as deformities, pain and loss of function affected the distal interphalangeal joints in 11% of patients and the proximal interphalangeal joints or trapeziometacarpal joint in a smaller proportion of patients. Thirty per cent of patients had bony cysts located in the carpometacarpal area, carpal bones, or distal forearm bones; communication with the adjacent joint space was seen occasionally, and intracarpal derangement was a feature in some patients. Most patients had several types of lesions. The rate of occurrence of hand lesions increased markedly after ten years on hemodialysis, with devastating functional consequences.