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Background There is great potential to improve outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) by focusing more on the preoperative period of AVF creation. We aim to systematically review the evidence on safety and efficacy of various preoperative interventions that have been tried to improve AVF maturation and success rate. Methods We searched five databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and King's Fund Library. Experimental studies that investigated the effect of various preoperative interventions to improve AVF outcomes among advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were searched. The effect size for primary outcome was calculated as the weighted mean difference in the final vessel calibre, rate of AVF maturation or primary failure between the intervention and control arm. We also assessed adverse effects and dropout rates. This review was preregistered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020193257). Results Eight eligible studies were identified involving three types of intervention: hand exercise (n  = 6), cholecalciferol supplementation (n  = 1) and pneumatic compression of the arm using a Fist Assist device (n  = 1). The overall effect size of hand exercise on distal cephalic vein calibre was 0.24 mm [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03–0.45] on meta-analysis of hand exercise studies. On restricting analysis to two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had independent control groups, the effect size was higher, at 0.29 mm (95% CI 0.11–0.47). Hand exercise was a well-tolerated intervention, especially when confined to the first 4 weeks. Discussion Hand exercise is the predominant intervention tried in the preoperative period of AVF creation, although there is methodological heterogeneity. Intermittent pneumatic compression using a Fist Assist device is a novel intervention that has shown some promise. Well-designed prospective RCTs are needed on preoperative interventions among advanced CKD patients, aimed at improving AVF outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients receiving dialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) commonly co-exhibit risk factors for hepatic impairment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the coexistence of chronic liver disease (CLD) and characterize risk factors and outcomes. Methods We searched the following databases from inception to May 2021: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Kings Fund Library, MEDLINE and PubMed. The protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (study ID: CRD42020206486). Studies were assessed against three inclusion criteria: adults (>18 years) with ESKD receiving dialysis, primary outcome involving CLD prevalence and publications in English. Moderator analysis was performed for age, gender, study size and publication year. Sensitivity analysis was performed where applicable by removing outlier results and studies at high risk of bias. Results Searches yielded 7195 articles; of these 15 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 320 777 patients were included. The prevalence of cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was 5% and 55%, respectively. Individuals with CLD had 2-fold higher mortality than those without {odds ratio [OR] 2.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–3.45]}. Hepatitis B [OR 13.47 (95% CI 1.37–132.55)] and hepatitis C [OR 7.05 (95% CI 4.00–12.45)], but not diabetes, conferred increased cirrhosis risk. All studies examining NAFLD were judged to be at high risk of bias. We found no data on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Deaths from CLD, cancer and infection were greater among cirrhotic patients. Conclusions CLD is prevalent in dialysis patients. Hepatitis B and C confer increased risk of CLD. The impact of NAFLD and NASH cirrhosis requires further study. CLD is associated with an increased risk of mortality in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented discussing the value of publishing a medical textbook as a student.