Effects of Clopidogrel on Longevity of Permanent Double-Lumen Catheter Patency in Dialysis Patients: A Single-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Vascular access (VA) complications are recognized as important causes of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality in dialysis patients. Thrombosis-induced central catheter failure is the most frequent VA complication. Clopidogrel, as an antiplatelet drug, may increase the patency of central catheters. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence regarding the effects of antiplatelet drugs on central catheter patency.
A total of 100 patients, admitted to our dialysis clinic, were enrolled in this prospective study from January 2014 to June 2016. In this randomized, controlled, comparative study, two groups were recruited and observed to determine the effects of Clopidogrel on the central catheter patency. The function of permanent catheters (permcaths) was evaluated during 6 months. The patients’ demographics, including comorbidities and medical history, were also determined to evaluate the probable effects on permcath patency. In this study, t test was used to analyze quantitative variables, while Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze qualitative variables.
The mean age of patients in the Clopidogrel and placebo groups was 55.5 ± 11.8 and 55.7 ± 12.1 years, respectively. The catheter survival was significantly longer in the Clopidogrel group in comparison with the placebo group (P = 0.02). On the other hand, the frequency of complications showed no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05).
The results suggest that application of Clopidogrel following permcath insertion may be beneficial for catheter survival.