Impact of previous central venous catheter utilization on the maturation of upper limb arteriovenous fistulas in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

Objective: This study aims to determine the impact and potential relationship between maturation rates of upper limb arteriovenous fistulas and a previous history of central venous catheter placement for hemodialysis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on demographic and clinical data originating from vascular access procedures carried out at the prestigious National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran (INCMNSZ) in Mexico City between the years 2008 and 2019. Utilizing univariate inferential statistical methods, a meticulous comparison of demographic variables, comorbidities, and other pertinent factors were performed to elucidate potential impacts on the maturation of upper limb arteriovenous fistulas. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05, adopting a two-tailed approach. Results: The analysis encompassed a total of 174 autologous upper limb fistulas, with a median patient age of 47 years (IQR 33–63). No statistically significant differences were identified in maturation rates among patients with a previous history of tunneled, jugular, or subclavian catheters. No statistically significant difference was observed in patients with a history of peritoneal dialysis. While the primary objective revealed no statistically significant difference, a trend toward favorable fistula maturation was observed in patients with ⩽1 catheters ( p = 0.06). Conclusions: Although no statistically significant difference was observed, a trend favoring fistula maturation was noted in patients with ⩽1 catheter ( p = 0.06). With a larger sample size, results supporting the main hypothesis of this study may be identified.