Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is an irreversible condition that has many otorhinolaryngological manifestations. We examined the effects of CRF and haemodialysis treatment on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) and aimed 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. MCC was measured using the saccharin clearance test (SCT) and the results were statistically compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

The 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 pre-dialysis and dialysis groups were significantly higher than for the control group (both p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the pre-dialysis and dialysis groups (p = 0.22).

DISCUSSION AND 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 possible infection risks.