title: Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on vascular access thrombosis in polytetrafluorethylene grafts.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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
authors.forename: Rodney G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Bowden
authors.forename: Ronald L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Mindy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.forename: Songthip
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ounpraseuth
authors.forename: Page
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Brian C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Leutholtz
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene