Author/Editor     Rus, Rina R; Ponikvar, Rafael; Kenda, Rajko B; Buturović-Ponikvar, Jadranka
Title     Effect of intermittent compression of upper arm veins on forearm vessels in patients with end-stage renal disease
Type     članek
Source     Hemodialysis international
Vol. and No.     Letnik 9
Publication year     2005
Volume     str. 275-80
Language     eng
Abstract     Native arteriovenous fistula is the best vascular access for chronic hemodialysis. Primary and longterm success depends, in part, on the state of arteries and veins at the time of the operation. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of intermittent compression of upper arm veins on forearm vessels in patients with terminal renal disease. The study group was composed of 16 chronic hemodialysis patients who performed daily intermittent compression of the upper arm without vascular access by elastic band (Eschmarch). Ten chronic hemodialysis patients were included in the control group, which performed no specific activity. Forearm measurements were obtained at the beginning of the study and 4 and 8 weeks later during the course of intermittent compression of the upper arm veins. The forearm circumference and maximal handgrip strength were measured. The artery measures, including endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and forearm vein variables, were obtained by ultrasonography measurements. The forearm circumference, maximal handgrip strength, and artery variables, including endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, remained unchanged. The basal venous diameters (2.29 +- 0.19 mm at the beginning, 2.46 +- 0.19 mm after 4 weeks, and 2.53 +- 0.18 mm after 8 weeks) were significantly increased in the study group. The distensibility of veins was preserved in the study group. There were no significant changes in the control group. Our study demonstrated that daily intermittent compression of the upper arm veins increases the forearm vein diameter and preserves the distensibility of veins in patients with end-stage renal failure.
Descriptors     KIDNEY FAILURE, CHRONIC
HEMODIALYSIS
CATHETERS, INDWELLING
HAND STRENGTH
BRACHIAL ARTERY
RADIAL ARTERY
FOREARM
ULTRASONOGRAPHY, DOPPLER, DUPLEX