Induction of hemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula in a patient with hemophilia A

Abstract

An 88-year-old man with congenital hemophilia A developed end-stage renal disease due to microscopic polyangiitis. He was at risk for catheter-related infection because he was taking immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of polyangiitis. He was also unable to manipulate the peritoneal dialysis device. Therefore, hemodialysis using an arteriovenous fistula was induced for renal replacement therapy. Recombinant coagulation factor VIII (1000 IU) was administered via the venous chamber of the hemodialysis circuit 10 min before the end of each hemodialysis session, and nafamostat mesylate (25 mg/h) was employed as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis. His clotting factor VIII activity level increased to > 50% and activated partial thromboplastin time decreased to 50 s at the end of each hemodialysis session. This method allowed him to achieve hemostasis at the puncture site of the arteriovenous fistula and undergo stable hemodialysis with no complications, including bleeding. This case suggests that hemodialysis using an arteriovenous fistula with coagulation factor replacement and nafamostat mesylate in each hemodialysis session is a therapeutic option for end-stage renal disease in patients of advanced age with hemophilia at high risk of bleeding.