FREQUENCY OF PERICARDIAL EFFUSION AMONG END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD) PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Pericardial effusion is a significant cardiovascular complication in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite advances in dialysis care, its prevalence remains variable across populations, and associated risk factors are not fully clarified. Understanding its frequency is crucial for improving early diagnosis, guiding interventions, and informing echocardiographic screening strategies. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of pericardial effusion among ESRD patients undergoing maintenance dialysis and to evaluate its association with demographic and clinical factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dialysis Centre, National Hospital Lahore, from July 2024 to December 2024. A total of 107 ESRD patients, aged 30–65 years, on maintenance dialysis for more than three months, were recruited through consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical details were recorded. Each participant underwent bedside transthoracic echocardiography by a consultant cardiologist to detect and classify pericardial effusion. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Pericardial effusion was present in 36.4% of patients, including mild (18.7%), moderate (12.1%), and severe (5.6%) cases. Significant associations were observed with diabetes (48.3% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.01), ESRD duration >5 years (50.0% vs. 29.0%, p = 0.03), and dialysis duration >12 months (47.3% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.04). No significant associations were found with age, gender, hypertension, dialysis modality, or dialysis schedule. Conclusion: Pericardial effusion was common in ESRD patients, particularly among those with diabetes, longer disease duration, and prolonged dialysis. Routine echocardiographic evaluation may be warranted in high-risk patients to improve timely detection and management.