The Predictive Significance of Doppler Parameters on the Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation for Hemodialysis—A Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background: Doppler ultrasound examination of blood vessels has a significant role in planning and identifying parameters that affect the functioning and maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Our goal was to determine the predictive parameters of Doppler ultrasound, measured at different time distances, which affect the maturation of AVF for hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: The research was a retrospective cohort study. The criteria for selecting patients in our study was the existence of information on ultrasound examinations of the lumen of blood vessels before the creation of AVF, as well as lumens of fistula conduits and blood flow measurements, at time intervals of 6–8 weeks and 2–4 months, after the creation of AVF, which we recorded in 105 patients. The respondents were divided into two groups: a group of patients with immature, and mature fistulas. Basic demographic data, clinical characteristics of the responders and laboratory parameters were analyzed. Results: By comparing clinical and laboratory parameters between the group of subjects with and without AVF maturation, a statistically significant difference was determined between the lumen of the proximal radial vein (p = 0.008) and the lumen of the distal radial vein (p = 0.001). The diameter of the fistulous veins (p = 0.037), and the blood flow through the AVF 6–8 weeks (p = 0.001) and 2–4 months (p = 0.001) after its creation were statistically significantly higher in subjects with mature fistulas. By univariate regression analysis, brachial vein (p = 0.04), proximal (p = 0.011) and distal radial artery (p = 0.001), fistula vein, after 6–8 weeks (p = 0.002), blood flow through AVF 6–8 weeks (p = 0.001) and 2–4 months (p = 0.001) after AVF creation, are statistically significant parameters. Predictive parameters of AVF maturation are AVF blood flow after 6–8 weeks (p = 0.010) and AVF blood flow after 2–4 months (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our research confirmed that greater the blood flow through AVF, at time intervals of 6–8 weeks and 2–4 months after creation, the better the maturation.