The Challenge Of Covid19 In The Management Of Vascular Access For Hemodialysis In An Universitary Hospital.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease prevalence has been increasing worldwide, with an increasing need to deliver an effective treatment. During the first months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic healthcare systems around the world were under stress. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report a single center experience with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation while also evaluating the impact of COVID-19.
Methods: Procedures for AVF creation in a tertiary hospital between March 2017 and December 2020 were included in this study and their case records were retrospectively analyzed and data retrieved.
Results: A total of 582 procedures were performed and a total of 568 accesses were created (506 being made pre-COVID onset and 62 post-COVID onset). The period between the referral to the vascular surgery consultation was significantly longer for the COVID group [18 (23) days vs 28 (44) days; p<0,001] while the period between the consultation to the surgery was significantly shorter [76 (77) days vs 40 (57) days; p<0,001]. This resulted in significantly less time between referral to surgery in the COVID group [103 (77) days vs 88 (55) days; p=0,008].
Conclusion: The ability of hospitals to adapt their resources was paramount to mitigate COVID impact. In the institution where the study took place, the time from referral to consultation was increased significantly during the first months of COVID but the time from consultation to surgery was significantly reduced. Overall, these results show that there was a successful effort to expedite the creation of a vascular access.