title: A meta-analysis of infrainguinal arterial reconstruction in patients with end-stage renal disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to determine graft patency, limb salvage, and patient survival following infrainguinal bypass grafting in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
  
  
  METHODS
  studies published from 1987 through 2000 were identified from the PUBMED database and pertinent original articles. Sixteen studies were found that used survival analysis to report the outcomes of interest. Two investigators independently extracted the data from standard life-tables, survival curves and texts. A new method was developed for meta-analysis of uncontrolled studies that use survival analysis with different follow-up intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  random-effects modelling yielded the following summary estimates at one- and two-year follow-up: 79% (95% CI, 70-87%) and 74% (63-85%) for graft patency; 77% (69-84%) and 73% (64-81%) for limb salvage; and 59% and 42% for patient survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  despite a severely limited life span, infrainguinal bypass grafting for the treatment of critical ischaemia is worthwhile in selected patients with ESRD.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery Section, Department of Surgery, Fundação Lusíada, Santos-SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albers
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Romiti
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bragança Pereira
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: da Silva Júnior
mesh_terms: D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures