Dialysis access thrombosis in a family cohort

In 2004, 464,952 individuals were newly diagnosed with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI); 102,356 of those newly diagnosed patients required initiation of dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Among the ESRD population, about one third is African American despite the fact that this population represent only about 12% of the total population in the United States (U.S. Renal Data System 2006). Familial aggregation of kidney disease disproportionately affects minorities. This paper describes the detection and management of dialysis access failure due to hypercoagulable states in a genetically related group. We also discuss the implications that associated familial disorders may have on the diagnoses, treatment and survival for this devastating illness.