Abstract

Objective: To determine the cutaneous manifestations in renal transplant recipients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dermatology Department, Dow University Hospital, Ojha Campus, Karachi, from 31 May to 30 November 2022. Eighty-six renal transplant recipients aged 20–60 years, transplanted within the last six months, were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with pre-existing dermatoses, connective-tissue disorders, diabetes, or thyroid disease were excluded. Demographic data, transplant details, and clinical skin findings were recorded. Diagnoses were based on history and examination, with confirmatory tests where appropriate. Data were analyzed in SPSS 20 using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for effect modifiers.
Results: Of 86 patients, 81 (94.2%) were male and 5 (5.8%) female, with a median age of 35 years. Skin infections were most frequent, affecting 69 (80.2%) recipients. Bacterial infections occurred in 32 (46.4%). Stratified analyses of cutaneous manifestations showed that skin infections were significantly more common among younger recipients (20–30 years) and those transplanted within 4–6 months, with notable associations for age group.
Conclusion: The spectrum of skin conditions observed after kidney transplantation is more common among younger patients. Regular dermatological screening and long-term follow-up are essential to reduce post-transplant skin complications and ensure timely management.

Key words: Renal transplantation, therapy, benign, malignant, skin lesions.