| Title
of the article |
Ultrasound monitoring to detect access stenosis in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review.
|
| Authors |
Tonelli M, James M, Wiebe N, Jindal K, Hemmelgarn B; Alberta Kidney Disease Network. |
| Journal
|
Am J Kidney Dis. 2008 Apr;51(4):630-40. Epub 2008 Mar 6. |
| Subject
Consultant |
C. Basile |
| Score
(1 to 3 stars) |
** |
| Comments |
Observational studies indicate that routine measurements of access blood flow and use of Doppler ultrasound improve vascular access outcomes in hemodialysis patients, but randomized trials reached conflicting conclusions. This review shows that there is no evidence that screening with access blood flow measurements or Doppler ultrasound is of benefit to patients with grafts. Access blood flow screening may prevent access thrombosis in arteriovenous fistulas, but may not reduce the risk of access loss or extent of resource use. |
