A randomized controlled trial of blood flow and stenosis surveillance of hemodialysis grafts

Background. It is widely accepted that hemodialysis graft surveillance combined with correction of stenosis reduces thrombosis and prolongs graft survival. Nevertheless, few randomized controlled trials have evaluated this approach. Methods. In this randomized controlled trial, 101 patients were assigned to control, flow (Q_a), or stenosis groups, and were followed for up to 28 months. All patients had monthly Q_a measured by ultrasound dilution and quarterly percent stenosis measured by duplex ultrasound. Referral for angiography was based on the following criteria: (1) control group (N = 34), clinical criteria; (2) flow group (N = 32), Q_a <600 mL/min or clinical criteria; and (3) stenosis group (N = 35), stenosis >50% or clinical criteria. Stenosis ≥50% during angiography was corrected by preemptive percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Results. The preemptive PTA rate in the control group (0.22/patient year) was two thirds the rate in the flow group (0.34/patient year), and was highest in the stenosis group (0.65/patient year, P < 0.01). The percentage of grafts that thrombosed was similar in the control (47%) and flow groups (53%), but reduced in the stenosis group (29%, P = 0.10). Two-year graft survival was similar in the control (62%), flow (60%), and stenosis groups (64%) (P = 0.89). Conclusion. Q_a and stenosis surveillance were not associated with improved graft survival, although thrombosis was reduced in the stenosis group. The most important factors in this result may be that monthly Q_a and quarterly stenosis measurements were not accurate or timely indicators of risk of thrombosis or progressive stenosis. This study does not support the concept that Q_a or stenosis surveillance are superior to aggressive clinical monitoring.