Background:

India, already the diabetic capital, heading towards same distinction with hypertension and with increase in aging population, all directly related to chronic kidney disease (CKD); CKD has become a hidden epidemic and a major public health problem both in terms of patient number and treatment cost.

Objectives:

Study was done to delineate clinico–epidemiological and laboratory profile of patients on haemodialysis in northeast India.

Methods:

This is a cross sectional study carried out in a teaching hospital, Sikkim. 50 patients of end stage renal disease on haemodialysis were interviewed using questionnaire.

Results:

Majority of patients were men of Nepali ethnicity in the age group of 40–59 years, ex–employed, educated. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the commonest associated diseases. 58% of the patients underwent haemodialysis within one month of being diagnosed with CKD. Mean laboratory values were creatinine – 8.2 mg/dl, urea – 120 mg/dl, sodium – 137 mmol/l and potassium – 4.7 mmol/dl. Majority had low levels of haemoglobin, calcium, albumin & high levels of phosphate, triglyceride, parathyroid hormone, uric acid. Majority had received blood transfusion while on haemodialysis, with most common blood group being A+. Most common indication for initiation of dialysis was fluid overload with uremic symptoms. Majority were aware but not on renal transplant waiting list. Most common symptoms while on haemodialysis where muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue.

Conclusion:

Easily accessible and affordable dialysis facility along with increase in renal transplantation can cut the cost of treatment and improve quality of life in ESRD patients.