Can a Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio Derived from Preoperative Blood Tests Predict Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation?

Background To evaluate the association between inflammatory markers expressed as neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and process of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation. Methods A retrospective review of patients with end-stage renal disease referred for formation of a new AVF in one center. Patients referred to the vascular service in the University Hospital of Limerick for creation of vascular access between 2009 and 2013. The association between NLR, calculated from preoperative blood tests, and functional fistula maturation, as determined by successful use of the AVF for 6 consecutive hemodialysis sessions, was investigated using univariate and logistic regression analyses. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess potential influence from other factors related to AVF maturation. Stepwise regression test was performed including the NLR. Results Overall AVF functional maturation rate in our study was 53.7% (66/123). Patients with matured AVFs had an NLR of 4.850 (1.8–15.7) compared with 3.554 (1.7–15.0); this difference was found to be significant (P = 0.024). Female gender (P = 0.008) and a history of kidney transplant (P = 0.004) were the only independent factors of fistula maturation outcome in a logistic regression model. Conclusion Increased level of NLR was found to be associated with fistula maturation; however, more studies are needed to validate this finding.