Evaluation of Iranian Patients with Chronic Renal Failure and End-Stage Renal Disease Admitted to Medical Centers in Mecca and Medina during Hajj in 2012 and 2013: Causes and Outcomes

Chronic renal failure(CRF) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are among the underlying reasons for the hospitalization of expeditionary pilgrims to Mecca.

This study aimed to evaluate the reasons and consequences of sending the patients with CRF and ESRD to Mecca to perform ritesofpilgrimage.

This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the profiles of all pilgrims in 2012 and 2013. The independent variables were awareness and unawareness of the patients with CRF and patients on dialysis; moreover, the dependent variables were reasons for referral and hospitalization in hospital, probable death rate, and indications of dialysis in an emergency.

Out of allPilgrims, 2416 (1.76% of the total pilgrims’ population) cases had CRF, out of whom 1.15%, 10.47%, and 88.36% of the patients were on dialysis, aware, and unaware of their disease, respectively. Furthermore, 93 (3.9%) patients with CRF were hospitalized during Hajj. Cardiovascular disease (41%) and respiratory diseases (20%) were the most common reasons for patients’ hospitalization.

It is suggested that the glomerular filtration rate of the pilgrims be calculated before sending them to Hajj; moreover, the patients with CRF should be screened accurately. Proper vaccination and cardio check-upare necessary before theHajj expedition.Considering low-salt diet and adequate fluid intake in patients with CRF during Hajj can minimize patients' referral to hospitals.