Multi-center investigation of intial hemodialysis vascular access in end-stage renal disease patients

Objective To investigate vascular access modalities at initiation of hemodialysis for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in hospitals of different levels, and to analyze the reasons contributing to the absence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) during initial hemodialysis. Methods A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect the information of patients that entered hemodialysis within five years, including basic information and their first vascular access types, and analyze the factors that influence patients' AVF use. Results (1) According to the 203 questionnaires returned from 5 hospitals, central venous catheter (CVC) was chosen by 122 (60.1%) patients, direct arteriovenous puncture by 44 (21.7%) patients, AVF by only 35 (17.2%) patients, and long-term cuffed catheter by 2 (1.0%) patients. For patients in different hospitals, 61.7% of patients in Jiamusi Hospital used direct arteriovenous puncture, while CVC were used most in the other four hospitals. The leading reason contributing to the absence of AVF was patient's refusal [75 cases (44.6%)], among which patients regarding AVF psychologically unacceptable accounted for the most [44 cases (26.2%)]. Following that were 45 cases (26.8%), in which patients were uninformed of AVF and 38 cases (22.6%) caused by time limitation. (3) Logistic regression showed well-educated, female, and urban residential patients were more likely to choose AVF at initiation of hemodialysis. Conclusion The percentage of AVF utility at the start of hemodialysis remains low, with situation varying in different hospitals and regions. Multiple factors are associated with vascular access modalities, among which the influence of doctors cannot be ignored. More efforts should be spared on patient education to improve the dialysis quality of ESRD patients in China.