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