Arsenic Related Skin Manifestations in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) in The North Central Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: A recent presentation has claimed a high prevalence of arsenic (As) related skin manifestations among CKDu patients. In 12 CKDu endemic villages, almost 45% patients were thought to have As related skin manifestations. The same investigators and others, in a website by the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) claim that almost 80% show the same manifestations. We studied the prevalence of As related skin manifestations in renal clinic patients with CKDu. Methods: A sample was selected from patients attending the renal clinic, teaching hospital, Anuradhapura. All patients with CKDu attending on a single day were consented, and all consenting patients were referred to a consultant dermatologist, specifically for assessment of As related skin changes. Results: 54 patients were identified and all patients gave consent. Data sheets after consultant dermatologist assessment were returned by 30. Only one had possible As related skin changes, and is planned for further investigations. Conclusions: As related skin changes are rare, if present at all, in CKDu patients in the North Central Province.