ASSOCIATION OF BASELINE PACKED CELL VOLUME LEVEL WITH THE RISK OF FISTULA THROMBOSIS IN END-STAGE FAILURE PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS WITHIN ONE YEAR OF FISTULA FORMATION

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between baseline packed cell volume (PCV) levels and the risk of arteriovenous (AV) fistula thrombosis within one year of fistula formation in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) undergoing hemodialysis.

Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 120 adult ESRF patients who underwent AV fistula creation and subsequent hemodialysis between [Insert Dates]. Patients were categorized into two groups based on baseline PCV levels: low PCV (<30%) and normal/high PCV (≥30%). Data on demographics, comorbidities, fistula characteristics, and outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was fistula thrombosis within one year, confirmed by clinical and imaging criteria. Statistical analysis included Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the association between PCV levels and thrombosis risk.

Results: Among the 120 patients, 60 (50%) had baseline PCV <30%. Fistula thrombosis occurred in 34 patients (28.3%), with a significantly higher incidence in the low PCV group (41.7%) compared to the normal/high PCV group (15.0%) (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated reduced thrombosis-free survival in the low PCV group (log-rank p = 0.003). Multivariable Cox regression showed that low PCV was an independent predictor of fistula thrombosis (HR 2.85, 95% CI: 1.30–6.27, p = 0.009).

Conclusion: Low baseline PCV is significantly associated with an increased risk of AV fistula thrombosis in ESRF patients. Early detection and correction of anemia may help improve fistula outcomes and should be considered in pre-hemodialysis care.