Abnormal digital brachial index prior to hemodialysis access construction and cardiovascular mortality

摘要

Introduction An abnormal ankle-brachial index indicating presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is known to predict mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Hand ischemia, reflected by low finger pressures, is also a factor associated with increased mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The Aim of the present study is to determine whether an abnormal digital brachial index in ESRD patients prior to HD access surgery is related to lower survival rates.