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Abstract: TH-PO258

Successful Arteriovenous Fistula Creation Slows Rate of eGFR Decline

Session Information

Category: Dialysis

  • 703 Dialysis: Vascular Access

Authors

  • Mowrey, John, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
  • Chin, Andrew I., University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
  • Appasamy, Suresh, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
Background

In patients with advanced CKD, a slower rate of eGFR decline after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) placement has been observed. The mechanism(s) for these findings remain unclear. We retrospectively examined the rates of eGFR decline, before and after successful AVF creation in preparation for HD, in patients who had advanced CKD.

Methods

CKD-Epi equation without race correction was used to estimate GFR. Using linear regression of eGFR, before and after AVF placement, rate of eGFR decline in ml/min/month was found in a population of 4 patients with advanced CKD. Successful AVF maturation was defined as either successful use in patients who started HD or clearance for use by surgery in patients not yet on HD. The slope of eGFR decline before and after AVF creation was compared retrospectively.

Results

Mean eGFR of our population was 13.5 ± 2.69 ml/min at time of creation of AVF, with an average age of 69. We observed an average rate of eGFR decline of 0.52 ± 0.22 ml/min/month prior to AVF creation, the average rate of decline after successful AVF placement was 0.08 ± 0.03 ml/min/month. Average pre AVF placement observation time was 4.75 ± 2.05 years, and average pre-dialysis time observed after AVF creation was 5.75 ± 3.9 years.

Conclusion

In advanced CKD patients who have HD AVFs that successfully mature, eGFR rate of decline appeared to dramatically slow after AVF creation. We additionally analyzed blood pressure and medications in these fairly extensive observation periods before and after AVF placement, and believe AVF placement to have an independent benefit. Proposed mechanisms include alterations in vascular physiology, changes in hemodynamics, improved patient adherence and closer medical monitoring that often follows AVF placement. We believe this case series adds to the growing body of data that suggests an impact on eGFR after a successful AVF creation.