Musculuskeletal system involvement in hemodialysis patients

Musculoskeletal problems remain among the main limitations of the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study was designed to evaluate the musculoskeletal system involvement in hemodialysis patients.
This study was carried out on the all of the hemodialysis patients of Khatam-al Anbia Hospital, Zahedan, Iran. All patients underwent a precide physical examination. Venous blood samples were obtained for the measurement of calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone. An x-ray of the hand was taken from each patient.
Thirty seven (37) patients completed the study. The most common symptoms were: carpopedal spasm 54.0%, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome 24.2%, arthralgia 21.6%, and bone pain 13.5%. The most common clinical findings were: a positive Phalen test 32.4%, muscle weakness 40.5%, bone deformity 21.6%, and bone tenderness 18.9%. The most common abnormal laboratory tests were: hypocalcemia 51.4%, hyperphosphatemia 43.2%, increased alkaline phosphatase 75.6%, and raised Parathyroid hormone 81.0%.
Musculoskeletal involvement is common in our hemodialysis patients.