Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on vascular access thrombosis in polytetrafluorethylene grafts.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of orally administered over-the-counter omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid supplements on primary patency of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts.


METHODS
This study was conducted with a triple-blind, permuted-block, randomized, placebo-controlled experimental design.


METHODS
Dialysis clinics with patients who, in accordance with physician diagnosis, needed a new PTFE graft.


METHODS
Patients on long-term hemodialysis with newly placed PTFE grafts who were unable to receive a native arteriovenous fistula.


METHODS
Patients were followed prospectively for 8 months after they had been placed into an n-3 fatty acid or control group and were monitored for primary patency.


METHODS
Primary patency of the PTFE graft.


RESULTS
The n-3 fatty acid group had a mean PTFE graft primary patency rate of 254.2 days (SEM = 51.8), and the control group had a mean PTFE graft primary patency rate of 254.1 days (SEM = 34.6), revealing no significant difference in survival time between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant differences in primary patency rates were noted in the experimental and control groups.
Bowden
Rodney G
RG
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Center for Exercise, Nutrition, and Preventive Health Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7313, USA. Rodney_Bowden@baylor.edu
Wilson
Ronald L
RL
Gentile
Mindy
M
Ounpraseuth
Songthip
S
Moore
Page
P
Leutholtz
Brian C
BC
D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014654:Vascular Patency / Q000187:drug effects
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene