The Effect of Arteriovenous Fistula Morphology on Patient Satisfaction and the Quality of Life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69926/pklijhs.62Keywords:
Arteriovenous fistula, Chronic renal insufficiency, Patient satisfaction, Quality of life, Renal dialysisAbstract
Background: Arteriovenous fistulae are a lifeline for patients on hemodialysis, but they are prone to complications, thus have a tendency to compromise patients’ quality of life.
Objective: This study was done to determine the frequencies of different types of arteriovenous fistula aneurysms and to study their association with patient satisfaction and quality of life.
Methods: Patients reporting to dialysis unit for routine hemodialysis sessions were selected by convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria included age greater than 12 years, arteriovenous fistulas in use for more than 3 months, and at least one aneurysmal dilatation of the fistula on clinical examination. Unwilling patients were excluded. A detailed inspection of fistula vein was done to classify aneurysms, as per Valentini classification. The Vascular Access and 12-Item Short Form Survey questionnaires were administered in face-to-face interviews to assess satisfaction with the fistula and quality of life.
Results: There were 101 patients aged 51.00 ± 16.31 years. Median duration of arteriovenous fistula was 24 (8-45) months. Median Vascular Access Questionnaire score was 8 (5-13). Mean Short Form Survey score was 31.41 ± 2.90. Type 1B fistulae were seen in 26 (25.74%), type 2A in 7 (6.93%), type 2B in 8 (7.92%), and type 3 in 4 (3.96%) patients. There was no correlation between Vascular Access Questionnaire scores and 12-Item Short Form Survey Score (Spearman’s r=-0.158; p=0.300). There was no difference in Vascular Access Questionnaire scores and 12-Item Short Form Survey scores among groups of patients with different types of arteriovenous fistulas (p=0.970 and 0.381, respectively).
Conclusions: There was no relationship between fistula aneurysms and satisfaction or quality of life.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Rehman Arshad, Nauman Sarir, Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Umar Rafique, Ghulam Abbas Khan Niazi
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