International Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Pathology

Chronic kidney disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. These patients tend to have various hematological abnormalities especially anemia which needs prompt treatment. A cross sectional observational study was conducted to study various hematological abnormalities commonly found in chronic kidney disease patients who were undergoing hemodialysis for a minimum period of three months. The principal finding in this study was prevalence of anemia in all the patients studied. There was presence of significant number of abnormal cells in the peripheral smear like Burr cells, Macroovalocytes and fragmented RBCs. However white blood cell count, Platelet count, Bleeding time and Clotting time were within normal limits. With this study we could conclude that anemia is a major comorbidity in hemodialysis patients, which require detailed evaluation and management.