The Effect of Arteriovenous Fistula Creation on GFR Decline.

PURPOSE Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant public health challenge, severely affecting patients' quality of life. The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines recommend discussing renal replacement therapy options when patients reach CKD stage 4. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation is considered the gold standard for vascular access in hemodialysis. This retrospective study aims to evaluate whether any changes in kidney function occur during the follow-up period after AVF creation in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). METHODS We analyzed data from 60 CKD patients who underwent AVF creation and were monitored in our nephrology outpatient clinics. Seventeen patients who consistently attended follow-up visits were included for detailed analysis. We performed a retrospective review of laboratory and medical records from 6 months before and 6 months following AVF creation. RESULTS The cohort comprised 41.2% males, with a mean age of 62.4 years. The predominant underlying conditions were diabetes mellitus (58.8%), hypertension (29.4%), and polycystic kidney disease (11.8%). Statistical analysis of laboratory values before and after AVF creation (at 1, 3, and 6 months) revealed a significant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before AVF placement, followed by stabilization in the subsequent 6 months. CONCLUSION The rate of eGFR decline was significantly reduced in CKD patients with AVF. This may be attributed to increased awareness of impending hemodialysis, leading to better dietary adherence and treatment compliance.