Electrophysiological Abnormalities in Upper Extremities After Brachiocephalic A‐V Fistulas Construction in Predialysis Patients

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is considered a common complication in patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Superimposed peripheral multiple neuropathies may complicate arteriovenous (A‐V) fistulas construction. Aim: To evaluate, prospectively, the influence of brachiocephalic A‐V fistulas construction on the peripheral nerves of the same extremity and to characterize the patients at risk for developing ischemic and neurological complications. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients suffering from advanced CKD were enrolled in the study: 10 diabetic and 10 non‐diabetic patients. All patients underwent electrophysiological evaluation one week before, 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Median, ulnar and radial nerves were studied. Results: In non‐diabetic patients MNCV was normal before and after surgery, but were significantly lower and reduced progressively and significantly after surgery in diabetic patients (p ≤ 0.02). In both non‐diabetic and diabetic patients SNCV was reduce...