Nasal mucociliary clearance in chronic renal failure: comparision of pre-dialysis and dialysis stages

Abstract

Objective: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is an irreversible condition that has many otorhinolaryngological manifestations. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of CRF and haemodialysis treatment on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) and to explain the possible pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods: This study included 27 patients with end-stage CRF who were not undergoing haemodialysis (pre-dialysis group), 36 patients with CRF on haemodialysis (dialysis group), and 36 heathy individuals. Nasalmucociliary clearance was measured using the saccharin clearance test (SCT) and the results were statistically compared among the three groups. Results: Mean SCT times in the control, pre-dialysis, and dialysis groups were 11.7±5.7, 30.16±11.66, and 27.33±9.4 min, respectively. The results for both the predialysis and dialysis groups were significantly higher when compared with the control group (both p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the pre-dialysis and dialysis groups (p=0.22). Conclusion: Both CRF and haemodialysis treatment cause severe prolongation of MCC time. Patients with CRF should be monitored closely for middle ear, sinonasal, and respiratory tract infections and informed about potential risks of infection.