Outcomes of patients commencing peritoneal dialysis with and without back-up arteriovenous fistulas

Abstract

Background: Transitions from peritoneal dialysis (PD) to haemodialysis (HD) are often unpredictable and central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently required. Early studies found few back-up arteriovenous fistulas (bAVFs) were ever used. The PD population’s characteristics have changed over time which may have altered the likelihood of bAVFs being used. This study aimed to report use of, and outcomes associated with, bAVFs in a contemporary cohort of peritoneal dialysis patients. Method: A single-centre, retrospective study of PD patients commencing dialysis between 2006–2016, stratified according to presence/absence of bAVF. Results: One hundred seventy-six patients were included—82 with ..