[Vascular access for chronic hemodialysis in diabetic patients].

The aim of this study carried out on 33 uremic diabetic patients submitted to chronic hemodialytic treatment was to assess the kind of complications related to the vascular approach used as well as their short- and long-term incidences. Out of the 46 anastomoses prepared, 39 were arteriovenous fistulae according to Brescia-Cimino and 7 were PTFE grafts. The actuarial survival rate was 88%, 79%, and 63% after one, two and four years, respectively. The most frequent compliance was thrombosis. Our experience demonstrates that the distal arteriovenous fistula may be considered a valid vascular access for hemodialysis also in diabetic patients.