Uremic pericarditis epidemiology and demographics


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.; Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Epidemiology and demographics
Pericarditis in renal failure occurs in approximately in 13 percent of patients who are on maintenance hemodialysis. Hyperurcemia due to inadequate dialysis or fluid overload may be the reason for pericarditis.

Uremic pericarditis can occur as a serous or a hemorrhagic effusion with considerable overlapping. Hemorrhagic effusions are more common secondary to uremia induced platelet dysfunction and the use of anticoagulation during hemodialysis.

Dialysis associated pericarditis may also be secondary to bacterial or viral infections.