Thrombophilia and the risk for hemodialysis vascular access thrombosis

J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005 Apr;16(4):1108-14. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2004110999. Epub 2005 Feb 23.

Abstract

Vascular access thrombosis is the most common and costly complication in hemodialysis patients. The role of thrombophilia in access thrombosis is not established. A case-control study was conducted of 419 hemodialysis patients to determine whether thrombophilia was associated with arteriovenous fistula or graft thrombosis. Participants were enrolled from three in-center and five satellite dialysis units associated with a Canadian academic health science center that provides dialysis services in a catchment area of one million. Patients were tested for factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, factor XIII genotype, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, factor VIII, homocysteine, and lipoprotein (a) concentrations. Overall, 59 (55%) patients with access thrombosis had at least one thrombophilia compared with 122 (39%) patients without access thrombosis (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 to 2.98). After controlling for important risk factors, the association between any thrombophilia and access thrombosis remained (adjusted OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.47 to 3.99). For each additional thrombophilic disorder, the odds of access thrombosis increased significantly (adjusted OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.61). This study suggests that thrombophilia is associated with access thrombosis in dialysis patients. Large, multicenter, prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the observations from this case-control study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombophilia / complications*
  • Thrombosis / etiology*