Effect of arteriovenous access closure and timing on kidney function in kidney transplant recipients

This study aimed to determine whether the closure of a functioning arteriovenous (AV) access affects the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and to compare outcomes according to the timing of AV access closure after kidney transplantation (KT). From 2009 to 2015, medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 142 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who underwent AV access closure. The 142 KTRs were categorized into three groups: AV access closure was performed within 6 months after KT in Group 1 (n = 45), at 6-12 months after KT in Group 2 (n = 49), and at 12-24 months after KT in Group 3 (n = 48). The baseline (at the time of AV access closure) and follow-up eGFR values during the 3-year follow-up period were compared. Linear mixed model analysis revealed no significant association between longitudinally observed eGFR values and the amount of time elapsed after AV access closure in the study population (P = 0.36). There was no significant association between 3-year eGFR values and the timing of AV access closure (P = 0.58). In conclusion, after successful KT, AV access closure did not affect the eGFR significantly, and the timing of AV access closure was not significantly associated with outcomes.