Predictors of early vascular-access failure in patients on hemodialysis

Vascular access management is key and critical in the successful management of hemodialysis patients, and an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the access of choice. This study was conducted between January 2007 and October 2009 at the Military Hospital in Rabat. Data on 115 patients who underwent 138 AVFs were retrospectively studied. Wrist AVF was the most common site of use. The primary course was uncomplicated in 63% of the patients, while primary failure occurred in 23.9% of the patients. Presence of diabetes was the most important risk factor for primary failure.