Research on the combined impact of high-flux dialysis and levocarnitine on the functionality of arteriovenous fistulas in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Abstract

To explore the influence of levocarnitine on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) function in patients undergoing high-flux dialysis and delve into its potential mechanisms. Complication Reduction: The treatment group had markedly lower incidences of vascular stenosis (4.69% vs. 20%), thrombosis (3.13% vs. 15%), poor venous return (6.25% vs. 18.33%), and pre-dialysis hypotension (7.81% vs. 23.33%) (all P < 0.05). Hematological Benefits: Significant improvements in hemoglobin (11.57 ± 1.63 vs. 10.38 ± 1.49g/dL) and red blood cell count (3.89 ± 0.51 vs. 3.53 ± 0.46 ×10^¹²/L) were observed in the treatment group (P < 0.001), alongside reduced white blood cell counts (6.05 ± 1.49 vs. 6.23 ± 1.60 ×10⁹/L, P = 0.006). Quality of Life: Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores were significantly higher in the treatment group at both 1-month (P < 0.01) and 3-month follow-ups (P < 0.01). In the context of high-flux hemodialysis, supplementing with levocarnitine can appreciably improve AVF function in ESRD patients, mitigate the occurrence of complications, and potentially enhance the quality of life by alleviating dialysis-related issues. Levocarnitine emerges as a promising adjunctive therapy for patients with compromised AVF function.