Quantification of skin color in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Background: In patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis, a peculiar hyperpigmentation develops, the intensity of which may or may not be related to the duration of treatment and use of erythropoietin. Objective: Our purpose was to conduct a comparative cross-sectional study of white patients with distinct diseases that modify their skin color. Methods: A reflected-light colorimeter was used to compare the color of the forehead and forearms of 61 white patients receiving hemodialysis with that of matched controls and of patients with anemia or icterus. Results: Significant differences were found in both reflectance and chromaticity between these groups of patients. Duration of hemodialysis and use of erythropoietin did not significantly influence the colorimetric measurements. Conclusion: The use of a color-reflectance meter allows precise evaluation of subtle changes in skin color and may be used to monitor several diseases.