A single treatment, using Far Infrared light, increased bloodflow and AV-fistula diameter

May 30, 2014

Conslusion:Fir treatment increased AVF bloodflow rate and diameter

Background and Aims

A native arterio-venous fistula (AVF) is considered the best alternative for access in patients on chronic hemodialysis(HD). However, its patency is often limited, because  of complications, suchas stenosis, thrombosis and infection. Both  surgical and medical methods have been evaluated to avoid often painful and costly interventions. In recent years a few studies  from the same center have shown positive effects on blood flow and patency of repeated Far Infrared light(FIR) over the AVF.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate if a single treatment, using FIR, may alter blood flow and AVF diameter.

The secondary aim of the study was to find if there were any changes in inflammatory markers.

Methods

Included were 30patients (17male and13 female) from a single center with a native AVF(end to side) located in the forearm, seetable1.

Ultrasound examination was performed by the same investigator in all patients over three measure points (artery, proximal and distal AVF), followed by one standard FIR treatment and thereafter a repeated examination.

Variables Data
Number of patients 30
Male/female ratio 17 vrs 13
Age, years Mean 59,9 ±14,2
Hemodialysis (yes/no) 14 vrs 16
Diabetes (yes/no) 12 vrs 18
Statine treatment (yes/no) 12 vrs 18
Anticoagulantia (yes/no) 8 vrs 22
EPO treatment (yes/no) 20 vrs 10
Uric acid lowering drug (yes/no) 3 vrs 27
Duration of fistula (months) Mean 59,9 ± 42,3
Haemoglobin, g/L Mean 119.3 ±15,6

Table 1. Demographic data

Result

Results: The AVF flow rate increased after one FIR treatment, mean 2.1±1 m/s to 2.3±1, (p=0.001).

There was a slight increase of the arterial and venous flow, however not significant. The diameter of the AVF and artery did not change while the vein became wider 0.72cm ±0.2 to 0.74 ±0.2 ( p=0.034), see table 2.

The change in AVF flow was not different in those with or without diabetes mellitus, hemodialysis,

prescribed statins, hypertensive treatment, anticoagulation or between men and women. The mean

arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change. The pulse decreased from a mean of 72 ±9.8 beats/min to 68 ±9.4, (p=0.043). There was no significant change in inflammatory

markers. All patients had a functioning AVF after 30 days.

Author's:

  • U. Hadimeri,
  • A. Wärme,
  • B. Stegmayr


Site:

  • Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, SWEDEN,
  • Dept.of Nephrology, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, SWEDEN,
  • Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, Umea, SWEDEN

Presented at the 2014 ERA-EDTA Conference.

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