Study of Value of Colour Doppler versus Fistulogram in HD Patients

Abstract

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is one of the main health problems in Egypt. Currently, hemodialysis represents the main mode for treatment of chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5), previously called ESRD or chronic renal failure. Although hemodialysis is often used for treatment of ESRD, no practice guidelines are available in Egypt. Healthcare facilities are seeking nowadays to develop practice guidelines for the sake of improving healthcare services. In the healthcare sector in Egypt, trials for establishing guidelines have been lead by the MOH. The present study had the objective of assessing the status of vascular access problems that are occurring daily in hemodialysis units. Loss of patency of the vascular access limits hemodialysis delivery and may result in underdialysis that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite the known superiority of autogenous fistulae over grafts, autogenous fistulae also suffer from frequent development of stenosis and subsequent thrombosis. International guidelines recommend programmes for detection of stenosis and consequent correction in an attempt to reduce the rate of thrombosis. Physical examination of autogenous fistulae has recently been revisited as an important element in the assessment of stenotic lesions. Prospective observational studies have consistently demonstrated that physical examination performed by trained physicians is an accurate method for the diagnosis of fistula stenosis and, therefore, should be part of all surveillance protocols of the vascular access.