Peripheral neuropathies and factors associated in chronic hemodialysis patients in Benin

Introduction: Peripheral neuropathies, in hemodialysis patients, are frequent. Objective: To study peripheral neuropathies in the population of chronic hemodialysis patients in Benin. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from April 1st to July 31st, 2017 in the hemodialysis units of the two public dialysis centers in Benin. Recruitment was exhaustive with inclusion of all patients with hemodialysis for more than 3 months, aged at least 18 years and consenting. The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy was based on the presence of sensory-motor and/or vegetative disorders associated with amyotrophy, abolition or reduction of osteotendinous reflexes and absence of central signs. Results: A total of 189 hemodialysis patients were included in the two public hemodialysis centers of Benin, 180 at the CNHU-HKM and 9 at the CHUD/BA. The mean age was 50.23 ± 13.31 years with extremes from 20 to 85 years and a sex ratio of 1.59. The overall frequency of peripheral neuropathy was 59.26%, including polyneuropathies (72.32%), unifocal mononeuropathies (10.71%), polyradiculoneuropathies (9.82%), and multiple mononeuropathies (7.14%). The associated factor in multivariate analysis was socioeconomic level (P = 0.001; OR 39.41; 95% CI 4.81–322.64). Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy is frequent in chronic hemodialysis patients in Benin, requiring early detection and management.