Patient-related factors influencing patency of autogenous brachiocephalic haemodialysis fistulas.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyse the outcome of autogenous brachiocephalic fistula for dialysis purposes and to determine modifiable and non-modifiable patient-related factors of influence on the patency of a newly created fistula.

DESIGN OF STUDY

A single-centre retrospective cohort study with the aim of determining patient-related factors of influence on primary failure, primary, primary assisted and secondary patency of autogenous brachiocephalic fistulas. Seventeen patient-related variables were determined by means of univariate analysis, variables reaching significance were then entered in a multivariate Cox-regression model.

RESULTS

Between October 2005-October 2015, 231 autogenous brachiocephalic fistulas were created in 228 patients. Mean age was 61.3 years (20.3-88.2 years). Patency was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Primary failure occurred in 38 out of 231 created fistulas (16.5%). The primary, primary assisted and secondary patency rates at six months were 78 ± 3%, 93 ± 2%, and 95 ± 1%, respectively. At 12 months, they were 63 ± 3%, 89 ± 2%, and 92 ± 2%, and at 24 months 47 ± 4%, 84 ± 3%, and 89 ± 2%. The non-modifiable factors, diabetes mellitus and mean cephalic vein diameter were identified as a predictor for failure influencing primary and secondary patency. The preoperative use of anticoagulation was identified as a modifiable factor for failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified several non-modifiable and modifiable factors of interest to the clinician deciding on which type of haemodialysis fistula is most suitable for an individual patient. Meticulous preoperative work-up, a surveillance programme, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team can be of great importance in achieving better patency rates.