To Study Changes in Corneal Endothelium in Patients of Chronic Kidney Disease at GMC Jammu

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney disease is a global health concern and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an accelerated atherosclerosis and increased risk of thrombotic- ischemic complications as compared to general population. In addition, there is evidence of endothelial damage that may be attributed to proinflammatory state and toxin buildup due to reduced renal clearance.
Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of CKD on corneal endothelium and correlate with severity of disease.
Methods: It is a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Ophthalmology, GMC, Jammu for a period of 6 months from October 2023 to March 2024. The study included 3 categories of patients each with 30 patients of either sex and between 15 and 80 years of age.
Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the study. Majority of the patients belonged to age group 61-70 years and the most common cause of CKD was found to be Diabetes. We found decreased endothelial cell count with a mean of 2240 ± 396.22 cells/mm2 in dialysis group. We also found significant increase in coefficient of variation and decreased hexagonality which shows polymegathism and pleomorphism in corneal endothelial cells in CKD cases. However, no correlation was found between blood urea or serum creatinine with endothelial parameters in any group.
Conclusion: Due to morphological abnormalities in corneal endothelium caused by CKD, patients with CKD are more susceptible to endothelial decompensation and hence special care should be taken before undergoing intraocular surgery.