complications

Last reviewed 06/2021

Complications include:

• hypertension - 90% of patients in end stage renal failure
• anaemia in 80% of patients in end stage renal failure
• renal osteodystrophy
• accelerated atherosclerosis, which is clinically significant in 60% of patients in end stage renal failure. Hypercalcaemia and oxalosis may exacerbate the vessel occlusion by accelerating calcification of the plaques
• mixed sensorimotor neuropathy in 65% of patients starting dialysis
• multiple renal cysts:
• 40% of patients develop cysts
• 30% of these cysts contain a neoplasm
• 10% of the neoplasms are malignant
• sexual disturbance:
• loss of libido and infertility
• 50% of males become impotent
• many females are amenorrhoeic