ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AV FISTULAS AND HANDGRIP STRENGTH

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) placement is essential for hemodialysis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients but may impair handgrip strength (HGS), affecting physical function and quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the association between AVF placement and HGS in CKD patients, comparing measurements before and three months post-procedure. Materials and Method: This quasi-experimental study at Ali Fatima Hospital, Bhobatian Chowk, Raiwind Road, Lahore, Pakistan from December, 2023 to May, 2024 enrolled 90 CKD patients aged 20–60 years. HGS was measured using a manual dynamometer before and three months after AVF placement. Patients with upper extremity malformations or other exclusion criteria were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with paired t-tests (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Mean HGS decreased significantly from 21.00 ± 7.35 kg to 19.22 ± 7.92 kg post-AVF (p < 0.001). Most AVFs were brachiocephalic (80%), with 64.44% male patients. Conclusion: AVF placement significantly reduces HGS, necessitating exercise interventions to mitigate functional decline.