Permanent Dialysis Access Research Articles

Assessing Permanent Dialysis Access in Underserved Patients with Advanced Kidney Disease in Austin, Texas

Assessing Permanent Dialysis Access in Underserved Patients with Advanced Kidney Disease in Austin, Texas

Construction and key technical points of arteriovenous graft fistula

Hemodialysis remains the main kidney replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease patients worldwide. When superficial veins are exhausted or arteriovenous fistula cannot be established, arteriovenous graft fistula should be selected as the permanent dialysis access. The article elaborates on the process of arteriovenous graft fistula construction, including many technical aspects, such as preoperative evaluation, surgical plan, graft selection, preoperative preparation, and surgical procedure, which are related to surgical outcomes, complications, and long-term patency rate.

Dialysis decision-making process by Chinese American patients at an urban, academic medical center: a retrospective chart review

BackgroundClinical practice guidelines emphasize shared decision-making for kidney replacement treatment, yet little is known about the influence of cultural differences on that process. We undertook a retrospective chart review to explore the process and timing of dialysis decision making and initiation in Chinese American patients to provide quality kidney care for this population.DesignParticipants received outpatient care at Tufts Medical Center and dialysis at Dialysis Clinic, Inc. Boston or Somerville, MA from 2001–2021. Clinic chart review sourced demographic, clinical, and end-of-life care information from 180 participants (82 Chinese American, 98 other) from stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis initiation.ResultsChinese American participants were older (mean 70 vs. 59, p < 0.0001), less likely to speak English (12% vs. 87%, p < 0.0001), and used interpreter services more (80% vs. 11%, p < 0.0001). Chinese American participants had more visits (median 14 vs. 10, p = 0.005); were more often accompanied by family members (75% vs. 40%, p < 0.001); and had significantly lower rates of healthcare proxy documentation (35% vs. 55%, p = 0.006). There was no statistical difference in months between first CKD 4 visit and first dialysis. Both groups started dialysis at the same average eGFR and with similar rates of permanent dialysis access. Chinese American participants had significantly lower serum albumin at dialysis initiation (mean 3.3 g/dL vs 3.7 g/dL, p = 0.0003). Documentation reflected a low number of conversations about non-dialytic care, end-of-life planning, or palliative care in both groups across all visits.ConclusionThe time between CKD 4 and dialysis initiation was the same in both groups, suggesting a similar overall outcome of care. Chart documentation suggests that Chinese American participants had a significantly higher number of visits with nephrologists where discussion about dialysis was noted and were more likely to have a family member present at the visit. Fewer Chinese American participants completed healthcare proxies. Among all study participants, healthcare proxy, code status, and palliative care discussions were reported less frequently than expected. These findings highlight opportunities for collaboration between palliative care clinicians and nephrologists.

Comparison of Patient Outcomes Before and After the Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective : To assess the outcomes in managing patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring vascular access before and after, a formal vascular surgery fellowship program (VSFP) was introduced in a tertiary care hospital in Punjab.&#x0D; Study Design : Pilot quasi-experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Vascular Surgery and Nephrology at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) ,Lahore Pakistan, from Feb to Oct 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Patients meeting the inclusion criteria of ages between 20 to 70 years, either gender and undergoing dialysis due to chronic renal failure were recruited in the study. Data was collected at the initial phase when a VSFP was absent and later when it was present. Outcome variables were current dialysis access, waiting time for permanent dialysis access and failure rate about the duration of chronic renal failure.&#x0D; Results: A total of 226 patients were recruited in the study. In both pre-vascular surgery fellowship program time (pre-VSFPT) and post-vascular surgery fellowship program time (post-VSFPT), the predominant functional dialysis access at the time of the interview was arterio-venous fistula (AVF). However, they were much higher in the post-VSFPT, i.e., 46(54.1%) as compared to 96 (68.1%) (p= 0.069). In addition, in pre-VSFPT, 24 (28.2%) patients had a “Never Created” AVF status at the time of the interview as compared to 21(14.9%) in post-VSFPT, which was statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: The establishment of a fellowship program not only benefits the trainee but it improves patient care significantly. This study highlights the improvement in all the benchmarks of the formation

Kalıcı diyaliz kateterlerinin uzun dönem sonuçları: tek merkez tecrübemiz

Aim: Tunneled dialysis catheters are generally not used as a primary dialysis access but as bridging therapy until a permanent dialysis access is available. However, it has been stated that long-term use may be appropriate if needed. In our study, we aimed to reveal the long-term patency rates of tunneled dialysis catheters and the frequency of catheter-related diseases in a large patient group.&#x0D; Material and Method: Patients who referred to our center for tunneled dialysis catheter insertion procedure between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed with respect of catheter patency durations. The duration between the patients’ repetitive admissions to our center due to catheter dysfunction, the cause of the dysfunction and the procedure applied to achieve the patency were noted. Kaplan- Meier survival analysis was used to calculate patency rates of catheters.&#x0D; Results: 1010 procedures were performed on 464 patients who applied to our center for tunneled dialysis catheter creation or dysfunction. 309 patients were excluded from the study due to short-term follow-up or lack of data. Of the remaining 155 patients with 211 catheter sites included to the study and 467 interventional procedures data analyzed. The mean primary patency duration of the tunneled dialysis catheters was 10.50±10.25 months and the secondary patency duration was 18.00±13.77 months. The 6, 12, and 24-month patency rates of the overall tunneled dialysis catheters were 91.1 %, 83.9 % and 77.9% respectively&#x0D; Conclusion: Although permanent dialysis catheters, which should not be the first choice for arteriovenous access, have associated comorbidities, they are a method with satisfactory patency rates when other access types are not suitable.

Novel classification of proximal forearm perforator vein in the planning and creation of percutaneous and surgical Gracz-type arteriovenous fistulae.

The perforator vein determines whether it is feasible to create a percutaneous (pAVF) or surgical "Gracz-type" arteriovenous fistula (sAVF). Creating a standard anatomic classification of the antecubital region is beneficial to both the selection of the appropriate device and/or procedure and technical outcomes. Accordingly, an analysis of a large cohort of patients undergoing pAVF/sAVF was performed, focusing on perforator vein anatomical suitability, and a novel anatomical classification of the antecubital region was developed and proposed. Between August 2018 and July 2022, chronic or end-stage kidney disease patients as well as patients anticipated an initiation of apheresis, who were referred for vascular access planning, underwent a standardized evaluation of upper extremities. A vessel mapping summary detailing the vasculature and the access creation plan was completed, indicating the anatomical suitability for sAVF and pAVF (Ellipsys and WavelinQ) techniques. Of 524 patients, 36.5% were female (average age 65 years). 53.2% were on dialysis, 41.6% had diabetes, and 13.2% had a previously failed permanent dialysis access. The anatomy for successful pAVF creation was judged to be suitable in 54% of patients for an Ellipsys-pAVF, and 29.8% for WavelinQ-pAVF. Of the WavelinQ group, 54.4% had suitable anatomy for ulnar, 26.9% for radial, and 18.6% for both ulnar/radial anastomoses. Additionally, 60.7% had suitable anatomy for pAVF creation with at least one of the systems, while 22.5% were suited for both types of pAVF-systems. 80.3% were candidates for creation of a Gracz-AVF. Overall, we found that about 60% of patients are likely candidates for a pAVF, with 80% being candidates for creation of a Gracz-AVF. Male patients have significantly higher suitability for most types of AVF creation, and younger patients are more suitable for Ellipsys-pAVF and RCAVFs. Most importantly, a universal classification of perforator vein was developed, which is indispensable in modern vascular access planning.

Modified proximalization of arterial inflow using a hemodialysis reliable outflow graft in a patient with vascular access failure.

A 63-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and multiple failed vascular accesses (VAs) had been referred for creation of permanent dialysis access. He provided written informed consent for the report of his case details and imaging studies. His medical history included a failed kidney transplantation, aortic valve replacement, severe coronary artery disease requiring two coronary artery bypass grafts, and hypertension. A previous right groin and upper extremity VA had been complicated by chronic deep and central vein thrombosis, requiring stenting of the right innominate and superior vena cava (SVC) due to SVC syndrome.

The Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant Sepsis among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients.

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death among hemodialysis patients. Infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are common among these patients, but empiric broad-spectrum coverage for every septic patient is associated with unfavorable outcomes. A retrospective case–control study was conducted at Shamir Medical Center, Israel (July 2016–April 2020), to determine predictors of MDRO infections among septic (per SEPSIS-3) ambulatory adult hemodialysis patients with permanent dialysis access (i.e., fistula, graft, or tunneled Perm-A-Cath). MDROs were determined according to established definitions. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used to construct a prediction score and determine its performance. Of 509 patients, 225 (44%) had microbiologically confirmed infection, and 79 patients (35% of 225) had MDROs. The eventual independent predictors of MDRO infections were Perm-A-Cath access (vs. fistula or graft, aOR = 3, CI-95% = 2.1–4.2) and recent hospitalization in the previous three months (aOR = 2.3, CI-95% = 1.6–3.3). The score to predict MDRO sepsis with the highest performances contained seven parameters and displayed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) of 0.74. This study could aid in defining a group of hemodialysis patients for which empiric broad-spectrum agents could be safely avoided.

Lower Limb Dialysis Grafts

The exponential rise in diabetes in India has led to a steady rise in end-stage renal disease patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Affordability and access to centers providing RRT and maintenance of functioning upper extremity vascular access for prolonged periods remain a challenge. Frequently facing no upper extremity access situations, we decided to reassess the feasibility of lower extremity vascular access. A retrospective study was carried out evaluating data from January 2009 to March 2022 including patients with a graft tunneled in the thigh (lower superficial femoral artery end to side to terminal great saphenous vein end to end). Totally 26 cases were studied with respect to age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, difficulty in cannulation, complications, graft dysfunction, and patency rates. Follow-up was a dynamic ongoing process without a fixed endpoint. Graft dysfunction was seen in seven of 26 patients (26.92%), with a primary patency rate of 88.46% (23/26) at 1 year. Twelve subjects died during the study period, however, all had a functioning lower limb arteriovenous graft (AVG). Lack of surgical training, fear of complications, and absence of team approach in decision-making are some reasons why lower extremity permanent dialysis access is infrequently used. However, in view of increased survival on dialysis, advancing age of the dialysis population, associated comorbidities, and multiple access failures, lower limb AVGs may be considered a feasible access modality with acceptable patency rates and minimal complications.

MO764: Type of Vascular Access in Incident Hemodialysis Patients in Morocco: Predialysis Nephrology Care Should be Improved

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Current guidelines recommend early placement of an autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) before initiation of chronic hemodialysis therapy. Also, several studies showed that optimal pre-dialysis care is crucial to prepare a functioning permanent dialysis access. However, despite these recommendations, incident patients in Morocco usually initiate dialysis therapy using temporary catheters. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to identify the types of vascular access used by incident hemodialysis patients in Morocco and to determine the effect of pre-dialysis renal care on native AVF utilization. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study at the nephrology department of Mohammed VI university hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 among adult incident hemodialysis patients. Clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as data on vascular access type and nephrology care prior to dialysis initiation, were recorded. RESULTS A total of 210 patients were enrolled in our study. The mean age of the participants was 51.6 ± 12.3 years (19–78) with a male predominance (71.4%). The leading cause of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was diabetic nephropathy in 41.4% of the patients. At hemodialysis therapy initiation, 173 patients (82.4%) were dialyzed using a temporary central venous catheter (CVC), 20 (9.5%) with a tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) and 17 (8.1%) with an AVF. Out of all participants, only 81 (38.5%) received prior nephrology care. Patients who reported being seen by a nephrologist at least 1 month before starting hemodialysis therapy (75%) were more likely than those referred later to use an AV access at initiation (22.2% versus 1.5%; P &amp;lt; 0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, geographical origin, education, insurance coverage, comorbidity status and underlying renal diagnosis. CONCLUSION Our findings showed a high incidence of CVC use among incident hemodialysis patients which is contrary to all recommendations. Also, we found that patients who received pre-dialysis nephrology care were significantly more likely to start their HD through AVF. Therefore, further efforts to improve both referral patterns and preparation for dialysis after referral are needed.

Vyšetření renální funkce v praxi

Chronic kidney disease patients often present late for dialysis due to minimal clinical symptoms, which are frequently undiscovered by both general practitioners and specialists. They have no information about renal replacement therapy, including preemptive kidney transplantation and do not have a permanent dialysis access. This fact increases the morbidity and mortality of those patients. Common preventive examinations such as blood pressure measurement, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and glomerular filtration tests, might help with earlier diagnosis of these patients by others specialities and timely referral to nephrologist.

POS-646 TYPE OF VASCULAR ACCESS IN INCIDENT HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS IN MOROCCO: PREDIALYSIS NEPHROLOGY CARE SHOULD BE IMPROVED

Current guidelines recommend early placement of an autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) before initiation of chronic hemodialysis therapy. Also, several studies showed that optimal predialysis care is crucial to prepare a functioning permanent dialysis access. However, despite these recommendations, incident patients in Morocco usually initiate dialysis therapy using temporary catheters. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to identify the types of vascular access used by incident hemodialysis patients in Morocco and to determine the effect of predialysis renal care on native AVF utilization. We conducted a cross-sectional study at nephrology department of Mohammed VI university hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 among adult incident hemodialysis patients. Clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as data on vascular access type and nephrology care prior to dialysis initiation were recorded. A total of 210 patients were enrolled in our study. The mean age of the participants was 51.6 ±12.3 (19-78) with a male predominance (71.4%). The leading cause of ESRD was diabetic nephropathy in 41.4% of the patients. At hemodialysis therapy initiation, 173 patients (82.4%) were dialyzed using a temporary central venous catheter (CVC), 20 (9.5%) with a tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) and 17 (8.1%) with an AVF. Out of all participants, only 81 (38.5%) received prior nephrology care. Patients who reported being seen by a nephrologist at least 1 month before starting hemodialysis therapy (75%) were more likely than those referred later to use an AV access at initiation (22.2% versus 1.5%; P < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, geographical origin, education, insurance coverage, comorbidity status and underlying renal diagnosis. Our findings showed a high incidence of CVC use among incident hemodialysis patients which is contrary to all recommendations. Also, we found that patients who received predialysis nephrology care were significantly more likely to start their HD through AVF. Therefore, further efforts to improve both referral patterns and preparation for dialysis after referral are needed.

Association of insurance status with timing of hemodialysis access placement

ObjectivePatients without adequate outpatient follow-up often present requiring emergency hemodialysis and then undergo permanent dialysis access placement at a later time. We sought to examine the relationship between type of insurance and whether a patient was already on dialysis at time of surgery. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative Hemodialysis Access registry was queried for all adult patients undergoing first time permanent hemodialysis access between January 2015 and September 2019. Patient and procedural characteristics were examined in patients split by private insurance—Medicare more than 65 years of age, Medicare less than 65 years of age, and Medicaid. The primary outcome was whether patients were on dialysis at the time of surgery. ResultsThere were 19,307 adult patients that underwent first time placement of an arteriovenous fistula or graft. Of these patients, 9729 (50%) had Medicare, 7179 (37%) had private insurance, and 2399 (12%) had Medicaid. The patients with Medicare were subgrouped by age with 2968 (31%) being less than 65 years of age and 6761 (69%) being more than 65 years of age. Patients with Medicare and less than 65 were the most likely to be on dialysis at the time of surgical access placement at 67%, whereas 59% of Medicaid patients were on dialysis, and 53% each group of patients with Medicare and more than 65 years of age and private insurance were on dialysis. After adjustment for patient characteristics, patients with Medicare who were less than 65 and more than 65 years of age were both significantly more likely to be on dialysis at time of surgery compared with private insurance with odds ratio (OR) of 1.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-1.80; P < .001) and an OR of 1.11 (95% CI, 1.03-1.20; P = .007), respectively. After adjustment, patients with Medicaid were no longer significantly more likely to be on dialysis. Secondary outcomes demonstrated, after adjustment, no difference in the association between a surgical fistula vs graft in any insurance groups; however, patients with Medicare and who were less than 65 years of age were more likely to have a nonradial artery used for anastomosis with an OR of 1.18 (95% CI, 1.04-1.34; P = .011). ConclusionsCertain types of insurance are correlated with being on dialysis at the time of access placement. Although associations were seen between insurance type and surgical access characteristics, these were associations predominantly insignificant when patient demographics and status of dialysis were controlled for. These potential gaps in care represent an area for improvement that deserves further exploration.

Factors influencing the long-term outcome of tunneled hemodialysis catheters.

To review the incidence and type of tunneled hemodialysis catheter (THC) complications in a large cohort of patients with end-stage renal disease. Additionally, the longevity of the THC and factors predicting high risk for catheter complications were assessed. Between August 2009 and December 2016, a cohort of 538 patients underwent primary THC insertion; in 119 patients, THC was inserted after failed arteriovenous fistula or graft. Patients without available clinical follow-up data (n = 67) were excluded for further analysis. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was calculated for each patient. The cumulative incidence function (CIF) was used for THC overall longevity, while Cox proportional hazards models were used for risk factor analysis. In 352 patients, THC was inserted in a virgin neck. THC-related complications were observed in n = 104 (29.55%) of the patients. Infection occurred in n = 38 (10.80%) and malfunction, related to thrombosis or mechanical damage, in n = 45 (12.78%). Removal of the THC for the purpose of switching to alternative dialysis methods was planned in n = 135 (38.4%). The remaining patients were still alive with a functioning THC (n = 18; 5.11%) or died (n = 95; 27%) with a functioning THC. The THC survival rate was 82.67%, 78.13%, 74.15%, 72.96%, 71.02%, and 70.63% on follow-up after 6 months, and after 1-5 years, respectively. Gender, CCI, age, and site of placement of the catheter were found not to affect the life of the catheter. The overall complication rate in primary inserted THC was nearly 30% and mainly related to infection and malfunction. THC survival was more than 70% after 5 years, which supports its use for permanent dialysis access, irrespective of gender, CCI, age, and jugular side of THC placement.

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis versus haemodialysis for people with chronic kidney disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who require urgent initiation of dialysis but without having a permanent dialysis access have traditionally commenced haemodialysis (HD) using a central venous catheter (CVC). However, several studies have reported that urgent initiation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a viable alternative option for such patients. This review aimed to examine the benefits and harms of urgent-start PD compared to HD initiated using a CVC in adults and children with CKD requiring long-term kidney replacement therapy. We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 25 May 2020 for randomised controlled trials through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. For non-randomised controlled trials, MEDLINE (OVID) (1946 to 11 February 2020) and EMBASE (OVID) (1980 to 11 February 2020) were searched. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and non-RCTs comparing urgent-start PD to HD initiated using a CVC. Two authors extracted data and assessed the quality of studies independently. Additional information was obtained from the primary investigators. The estimates of effect were analysed using random-effects model and results were presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The GRADE framework was used to make judgments regarding certainty of the evidence for each outcome. Overall, seven observational studies (991 participants) were included: three prospective cohort studies and four retrospective cohort studies. All the outcomes except one (bacteraemia) were graded as very low certainty of evidence given that all included studies were observational studies and few events resulting in imprecision, and inconsistent findings. Urgent-start PD may reduce the incidence of catheter-related bacteraemia compared with HD initiated with a CVC (2 studies, 301 participants: RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.41; I2 = 0%; low certainty evidence), which translated into 131 fewer bacteraemia episodes per 1000 (95% CI 89 to 145 fewer). Urgent-start PD has uncertain effects on peritonitis risk (2 studies, 301 participants: RR 1.78, 95% CI 0.23 to 13.62; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence), exit-site/tunnel infection (1 study, 419 participants: RR 3.99, 95% CI 1.2 to 12.05; very low certainty evidence), exit-site bleeding (1 study, 178 participants: RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.33; very low certainty evidence), catheter malfunction (2 studies; 597 participants: RR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.91; I2 = 66%; very low certainty evidence), catheter re-adjustment (2 studies, 225 participants: RR: 0.13; 95% CI 0.00 to 18.61; I2 = 92%; very low certainty evidence), technique survival (1 study, 123 participants: RR: 1.18, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.61; very low certainty evidence), or patient survival (5 studies, 820 participants; RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.07; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence) compared with HD initiated using a CVC. Two studies using different methods of measurements for hospitalisation reported that hospitalisation was similar although one study reported higher hospitalisation rates in HD initiated using a catheter compared with urgent-start PD. Compared with HD initiated using a CVC, urgent-start PD may reduce the risk of bacteraemia and had uncertain effects on other complications of dialysis and technique and patient survival. In summary, there are very few studies directly comparing the outcomes of urgent-start PD and HD initiated using a CVC for patients with CKD who need to commence dialysis urgently. This evidence gap needs to be addressed in future studies.

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis versus conventional-start peritoneal dialysis for people with chronic kidney disease.

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD), defined as initiation of PD within two weeks of catheter insertion, has been emerging as an alternative mode of dialysis initiation for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring urgent dialysis without established permanent dialysis access. Recently, several small studies have reported comparable patient outcomes between urgent-start and conventional-start PD. To examine the benefits and harms of urgent-start PD compared with conventional-start PD in adults and children with CKD requiring long-term kidney replacement therapy. We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 25 May 2020 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov. For non-randomised controlled trials, MEDLINE (OVID) (1946 to 27 June 2019), EMBASE (OVID) (1980 to 27 June 2019), Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov (up to 27 June 2019) were searched. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs comparing the outcomes of urgent-start PD (within 2 weeks of catheter insertion) and conventional-start PD ( ≥ 2 weeks of catheter insertion) treatment in children and adults CKD patients requiring long-term dialysis were included. Studies without a control group were excluded. Data were extracted and quality of studies were examined by two independent authors. The authors contacted investigators for additional information. Summary estimates of effect were examined using random-effects model and results were presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) as appropriate for the data. The certainty of evidence for individual outcome was assessed using the GRADE approach. A total of 16 studies (2953 participants) were included in this review, which included one multicentre RCT (122 participants) and 15 non-RCTs (2831 participants): 13 cohort studies (2671 participants) and 2 case-control studies (160 participants). The review included unadjusted data for analyses due to paucity of studies reporting adjusted data. In low certainty evidence, urgent-start PD may increase dialysate leak (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 3.90, 95% CI 1.56 to 9.78) compared with conventional-start PD which translated into an absolute number of 210 more leaks per 1000 (95% CI 40 to 635). In very low certainty evidence, it is uncertain whether urgent-start PD increases catheter blockage (4 cohort studies, 1214 participants: RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.43; 2 case-control studies, 160 participants: RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.58 to 6.13), catheter malposition (6 cohort studies, 1353 participants: RR 1.63, 95% CI 0.80 to 3.32; 1 case-control study, 104 participants: RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.64 to 13.96), and PD dialysate flow problems (3 cohort studies, 937 participants: RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.34 to 6.14) compared to conventional-start PD. In very low certainty evidence, it is uncertain whether urgent-start PD increases exit-site infection (2 cohort studies, 337 participants: RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.24 to 8.61; 1 case-control study, 104 participants RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.41 to 3.50), exit-site bleeding (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.03 to 16.81; 1 cohort study, 27 participants: RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.07 to 35.32), peritonitis (7 cohort studies, 1497 participants: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.46; 2 case-control studies, participants: RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.12 to 9.51), catheter readjustment (2 cohort studies, 739 participants: RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.02), or reduces technique survival (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.20; 8 cohort studies, 1668 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.07; 2 case-control studies, 160 participants: RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.06). In very low certainty evidence, it is uncertain whether urgent-start PD compared with conventional-start PD increased death (any cause) (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 1.49, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.53; 7 cohort studies, 1509 participants: RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.3; 1 case-control study, 104 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.02; very low certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported on tunnel tract infection. In patients with CKD who require dialysis urgently without ready-to-use dialysis access in place, urgent-start PD may increase the risk of dialysate leak and has uncertain effects on catheter blockage, malposition or readjustment, PD dialysate flow problems, infectious complications, exit-site bleeding, technique survival, and patient survival compared with conventional-start PD.

Dialysis access as a source of infective endocarditis in dialysis patients

The incidence of Infective Endocarditis (IE) is higher in dialysis patients compared to the general population. A major risk factor for IE in this group stems from bacterial invasion during repeated vascular access. Previous studies have shown increased risk of bacteremia in patients with indwelling dialysis catheters compared to permanent vascular access. However, association between the development of IE and the type of dialysis access is unclear. We aimed to examine the associated types of intravascular access and route of infection in dialysis patients who were admitted with infective endocarditis at our center.All patients admitted to Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia with a diagnosis of infective endocarditis who were on chronic hemodialysis were identified from the hospital database for the period of 1/1/07 to 12/31/18. Modified Duke criteria was used to confirm the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. A total of 96 cases were identified. Of those, 57 patients had an indwelling dialysis catheter while the other 39 had permanent dialysis access. In 82% of patients with dialysis catheters, their dialysis access site was identified as the primary source of infection compared to 30% in those with permanent dialysis access (p<0.001). The number of dialysis catheters placed in the preceding 6 months was strongly associated with endocarditis resulting from the dialysis access site (OR = 3.202, p=0.025). Dialysis catheters are more likely to serve as the source of infection in dialysis patients developing IE compared to permanent dialysis access. Increased awareness of risk of IE associated with dialysis catheters is warranted.

Policy and Pandemic: The Changing Practice of Nephrology During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Outbreak.

The coronavirus (coronavirus disease-2019) pandemic has changed care delivery for patients with end-stage kidney disease. We explore the US healthcare system as it pertains to dialysis care, including existing policies, modifications implemented in response to the coronavirus disease-2019 crisis, and possible next steps for policy makers and nephrologists. This includes policies related to resource management, use of telemedicine, prioritization of dialysis access procedures, expansion of home dialysis modalities, administrative duties, and quality assessment. The government has already established policies that have instated some flexibilities to help providers focus their response to the crisis. However, future policy during and after the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic can bolster our ability to optimize care for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Key themes in this perspective are the importance of policy flexibility, clear strategies for emergency preparedness, and robust health systems that maximize accessibility and patient autonomy.

P134410 YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH HEMODIALYSIS TUNNELED CATHETERS

Abstract Background and Aims A well functioning vascular access ( VA) is vital for hemodialysis (HD) patients. To date a native arteriovenous fistula ( NAVF) remains the gold standard but patients vascular characteristics are often not optimal for vascular surgery. A tunneled central venous catheter (tCVC) are becoming increasingly used as permanent dialysis access and are also competitive to NAVF for the easy and safe insertion tecnique. Our retrospective study observe, during a 10 years period, infection rate of tCVC, bacteriologic analysis and cause of removal. Method From January 2010 to December 2019, 176 tCVC were placed in 158 patients ( mean age 74 +/- 18) . All tCVC were inserted by nephrologist in internal giugular vein (IGV), subclavian vein (SV) and femoral vein (FV) using ultasonographic guide. Standards protocols, according to European Renal Best Practice (2010) detailing all aspects of preventive care were used. Each tCVC was followed until it was removed or until the end of the study. 62110 days was the follow up period. 143 tCVC wew placed in IGV ( 81,5%), 22 in FV ( 11,5 %) and 11 in SV (7%). The diagnosis of infection was based on clinical evidence and positive blood culture or positive exit site swab, with no sign of other infection site. We considered a tCVC disfunction in case of blood flow less than 250 ml/m'. Event rates were calculated per 1000 catheters days. Results Mean tCVC duration was 353 days. We observed a progressive increment in CVC prevalence during the observational period ( from 15% in 2010 to 39% in 2019). Catheter replacement recurred in 19 patients and the main cause of replacement was loss of patency ( 0,3 per 1000 catheter days). We observed 63 catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBI) and 71 exit site/tunnel infection (ESI/TI). Incidence for CRBI was 1 per 1000 catheter days and ESI/TI was 1,14 per 1000 catheter days. In CRBI the most common organism isolated were MRSA (40%) and MSSA (26%) . In ESI/TI the most common organism isolated was Staphilococcus epidermidis (39.5%) . We used systemic antibiotics, local therapy and lock therapy with a 93% resolution without removal. 12 tCVC were removed for recurrent CRBI ( 0,19 per 1000 catheter days). At the end of the observation 25 tCVC were still in use. Conclusion Our data showed an high survival rate of tCVC in hemodialysis patients. We observed CRBI and ESI/TI rates at the lower limits of the data reported in the literature. Infections were successfully treated conservately in most cases. Careful nursing protocol may reduced the frequency of infection and an early diagnosis can facilitate the rescue of the tCVC with systemic/lock therapy or local therapy. We consider in an elderly population with many comorbidities the use on tCVC recommended especially in patients with poor native peripheral vessels, in patients with steal syndrome high risk and also with a low life expectancy.

Comparative outcome of patch angioplasty versus balloon angioplasty after surgical thrombectomy of thrombosed arteriovenous hemodialysis graft: 18-month results

Background Repeated interventions to keep the well-functioning dialysis vascular access represent the Achilles heel for hemodialysis patients. Thrombosed permanent dialysis access, either arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft (AVG) remains one of the most common and debatable complications regarding frequency of occurrence and how to manage. Objective Our study aims to evaluate mid-term outcomes of surgical thrombectomy of clotted AVG with adjunctive venous outflow procedures mainly patch angioplasty versus balloon dilatation to restore their function regarding patency as primary endpoint and safety as secondary endpoint. Patients and methods Between May 2016 and April 2019, 96 of 125 patients with first-time thrombosed dialysis AVGs were prospectively evaluated after block randomization for surgical patch angioplasty (group A) versus balloon angioplasty (group B) for venous anastomotic side after surgical thrombectomy in four tertiary referral hospitals in Egypt. Results Over 18-month follow-up period of our enrolled patients, immediate technical success was 100% with regaining graft functionality in 100% of 45 patients in group A patients versus 89.6% (P=0.056) in group B with achieving optimum graft functionality in 100% of technically successful declotting procedures (43 patients) in group B. The primary patency at 6, 9, 12 and 18 months in group A was 66, 63.6, 52.3 and 31.8%, respectively, versus 48.8, 48.8, 37.2 and 18.6%, respectively, in group B. The secondary patency in group A at 6, 9, 12 and 18 months was 86.4, 100, 88.6 and 77.3%, respectively, versus 72.1, 90.7, 79.1 and 69.8%, respectively, that was not statistically significant except 12-month primary patency (P=0.014). Conclusion Our study found no statistically significant difference in 18-month outcomes between patients treated with surgical thrombectomy with patch angioplasty and surgical thrombectomy with balloon angioplasty for thrombosed AVGs regarding regaining functionality and patency, however patients treated with balloon angioplasty required more additional secondary interventions and most of them were to manage graft venous anastomotic site restenosis.