Patients requiring hemodialysis following kidney failure need a form of dialysis vascular
access in order to undergo the dialysis procedure. Dialysis vascular access dysfunction is an
enormous clinical problem. While the best form of vascular access is the arteriovenous
fistula (AVF), its primary problem is early, aggressive cellular ingrowth that leads to poor
maturation of the vessel, preventing its use for dialysis. Strategies to prevent AVF failure
are needed.
Vitamin D is a hormone present in all human bodies and is important for good bone formation
and immune function. There is new information that links vitamin D to the function of our
veins and arteries, which are used in the creation of an arteriovenous fistulae. Our bodies
can make vitamin D and can also get vitamin D from our diet. However, a majority of patients
with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have low vitamin D levels
(vitamin D deficiency). There are several benefits to correcting low vitamin D levels,
however, it is not know whether correcting low vitamin D in the body will lead to better
function of the vein and artery used for arteriovenous fistulae creation. The main goal of
this pilot study is to examine the role of vitamin D supplementation on AVF maturation and
useability for dialysis. Study results will be used to develop larger studies to examine the
specific effect that vitamin D supplementation has on the vessels used for AVF creation and
whether vitamin D promotes AVF maturation.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Emory University
Treatments:
Cholecalciferol Ergocalciferols Vitamin D Vitamins