Background: Autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is regarded as the first and
perhaps the best choice of vascular access in hemodialysis patients. Vascular access
procedures and their subsequent complications represent major causes of morbidity,
hospitalization, and cost for chronic hemodialysis patients.
Aim of the study: The main objective Of this study is to identify risk factors for
failure of autogenous arteriovenous fistulae which had successfully matured and were
used for dialysis in hemodialysis patients.
Material and methods: Sixty selected cases of chronic renal failure patients who were
referred for creation of AVF during March 2006 to April 2008 were operated upon to create
AVF and followed up for two years.
Results: There are a total of 76 autogenous AVF performed for 60 patients. 32 (53.3%) of
the procedures were the distal fistulas, followed by 25 (41.7%) cubital fossa fistula (proximal
fistulas) and other sites fistulas were only 3 (5%). Hypertension was present in 24 (40%) of
the patients, and diabetes was present in I I (18.3%). 12 (20%) of the studied cases were
overweight. HCV was found in 28 (46.7%) of the patients. 21 (35%) of patients have past
history of fistula failure during their course of renal dialysis. Patients who developed A VF
failure were significantly have lower hemoglobin levels and were more likely to have
previous fistula failure.
Conclusion: Predictors of AV-fistula malfunction in our dialysis population were
lower hemoglobin levels, previous fistula failure.
Key Words: Arteriovenous fistula, Hemodialysis, Vascular access, Fistula failure,
Fistula thrombosis.