Is there correlation between flow volume and Kt/V ratio in upper arm arteriovenous fistula in patients end stage renal failure?

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is irreversible and may result in end-stage renal failure (ESRF). The kidney replacement program is determined by calculating Kt/V ratios, one of the dialysis efficiency indicators in treatment planning in routine dialysis applications in ESRF patients. We aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between flow rate and Kt/V ratio. Methods: All patients were evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography (US) and color doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). The anastomosis line diameter was measured in the B-mode US. The fistula flow rate was calculated in a spectral examination at the anatomical location where the fistulized flow was best obtained at the anastomosis level. Patients with a fistula flow rate above 300 mL/min in CDUS examinations were considered reasonable flow rates. The fistula flow rate in these patients was compared with the Kt/V ratios. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated since the normal distribution condition was not met to determine the relationship between variables. Results: The results of this study showed a high level (r=0.72, P=0.001) of positive and statistically significant correlation between flow rate and Kt/V ratio in upper arm arteriovenous fistula in patients with end stage renal failure. Conclusion: We found a highly positive and statistically significant correlation between fistula flow rate and Kt/V ratio. Low Kt/V ratios have different causes. Low fistula flow should be considered first in low Kt/V values.