Complications of arteriovenous fistula in dialysis patients: Incidence and risk factors in Taif city, KSA

Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and its complications in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in Taif Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a prospective hospital-based study conducted on 196 patients aged above 18 years who were undergoing dialysis in two hospital Taif City. Data collected and documented using a pretested questionnaire, which included sociodemographic details and also information about fistula-related complications. Hospital records were also reviewed to match the complication and related risk factors. Appropriate statistical tests were used and analyzed with SPSS software ver. 23. Results: Majority of the study patients were in the age group of 41-60 years and the prevalence in male and female were 49.5% and 50.5%, respectively. The most prevalent chronic illness in the patients was hypertension (41.7%) and more than 30.6% had multiple chronic illness. The most common type of AVF was radiocephalic fistula (RCF). The most common complication associated with the patients with AVF was ischemic neuropathy (29.6%). Smokers had significant history of myocardial infarction than non smokers. Conclusion: Early and timely detection of complications in AVF is essential for proper management. Health professional should have thorough knowledge regarding the complications related to AVF. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improve the quality of life in patients on HD.