LOW HAEMOGLOBIN LEVEL AS POSITIVE PREDICTOR FOR FUNCTIONAL MATURATION OF NATIVE ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA.

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of low haemoglobin (Hb) concentration on maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Vascular Surgery Combined Military Hospital Peshawar and Lahore from January 2015 to March 2016. A total of 96 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Based on their Hb levels, patients were divided into two groups; group A with Hb less than 8 g/dL (n=50) and group B with Hb more than 8 g/dL (n=46). All patients were assessed for maturation of AVF as per Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines.
RESULTS: In group A, 92% (n=46) AVFs became functionally mature, whereas maturation rate in group B was 67.3% (n=31), with a P value of 0.004 between the two groups.
CONCLUSION: Low level of Hb has statistically significant positive impact on functional maturation of AVF.
RUNNING TITLE: Low Hemoglobin as predictor for fistula maturation