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19 Effect of Intermittent Compression of Upper Arm Veins on Forearm Vessels in Patients with End‐Stage Renal Disease
Author(s) -
Rus R R,
Ponikvar R,
Kenda R B,
Urbančič A,
ButurovićPonikvar J
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
therapeutic apheresis and dialysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.415
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1744-9987
pISSN - 1744-9979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-0968.2005.222_19_19.x
Subject(s) - medicine , forearm , hemodialysis , arteriovenous fistula , end stage renal disease , cephalic vein , vein , radial artery , wrist , cardiology , blood flow , plethysmograph , surgery , artery
Background Native arteriovenous fistula is the best vascular access for chronic hemodialysis. Primary and long‐term 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. Methods The study group comprised 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 parameters, including endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation and forearm vein parameters, were obtained by ultrasonography measurements. Results The forearm circumference, maximal handgrip strength and artery parameters, including endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation, remained unchanged. The basal venous diameters (2.29 mm ± 0.19 at the beginning, 2.46 mm ± 0.19 after 4 weeks and 2.53 mm ± 0.18 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. Conclusions 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.