Effect of online haemodialysis vascular access flow evaluation and pre-emptive intervention on the frequency of access thrombosis

Introduction. Guidelines advocate surveillance of vascular access to reduce incidences of thrombosis. However, the value of online vascular access flow monitoring is still under debate. Methods. Through a systematic literature search, the effect of online access flow surveillance combined with pre-emptive intervention on thrombosis frequency is reviewed. Results. Due to methodological differences, adequate comparison of the individual study results is not possible. Moreover, the methodological quality of most of the included studies is not suitable for an adequate statistical analysis of the results. Conclusion. Until now, there is no conclusive evidence that online access flow evaluation has a significant effect on the rate of thrombosis. Future large-scale studies with adequate study design, adequate surveillance and intervention protocols and, possibly, better pre-emptive intervention alternative(s) are necessary.