Design of the Dialysis Access Consortium (DAC) Clopidogrel Prevention of Early AV Fistula Thrombosis Trial.

Design of the Dialysis Access Consortium (DAC) Clopidogrel Prevention of Early AV Fistula Thrombosis Trial.: " Related Articles Design of the Dialysis Access Consortium (DAC) Clopidogrel Prevention of Early AV Fistula Thrombosis Trial. Clin Trials. 2005;2(5):413-22 Authors: Dember LM, Kaufman JS, Beck GJ, Dixon BS, Gassman JJ, Greene T, Himmelfarb J, Hunsicker LG, Kusek JW, Lawson JH, Middleton JP, Radeva M, Schwab SJ, Whiting JF, Feldman HI, BACKGROUND: The Dialysis Access Consortium (DAC) was developed to investigate interventions to improve hemodialysis vascular access outcomes. The autogenous arteriovenous fistula created by direct connection of native artery to vein is the recommended vascular access for hemodialysis. However, it fails frequently due to clotting after surgery. PURPOSE: The DAC Early AV Fistula Thrombosis Trial tests the hypothesis that clopidogrel can prevent early fistula failure and increase the number of fistulas that ultimately become usable for hemodialysis access. This is one of two initial and concurrent trials being performed by the DAC. The companion trial investigates pharmacologic approaches to prevent venous stenosis leading to AV graft failure. METHODS: This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that will enroll 1,284 patients over four years. Patients undergoing creation"