Frequent vascular access thrombosis in a patient with end stage kidney disease on hemodialysis

Abstract

Vascular access thrombosis (VAT) is common among patients receiving hemodialysis and leads to missed dialysis treatments, hospitalizations, catheter placement, and graft/fistula abandonment. This article reviews the association between hypercoagulability and VAT and the high prevalence of hypercoagulable states in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This article reviews the role of antithrombotic and anticoagulant medications in preventing VAT. The article concludes by reviewing the unique challenges of using vitamin K antagonists in patients with ESKD.