Efficacy of drug-coated balloon versus uncoated balloon for dysfunctional dialysis access: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Clinical and experimental nephrology
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dysfunctional vascular access is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis, affecting both arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. The most optimal strategy to restore long-term patency has not been established. This meta-analysis compares drug-coated balloon (DCB) versus uncoated balloon (UCB) angioplasty for dysfunctional vascular access. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search across multiple databases from inception to June 2024. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DCB and UCB in dialysis patients with dysfunctional vascular access were included. Risk ratios were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-seven RCTs (2645 patients) were included. Target lesion patency (TLP) at 6 months was significantly superior in the DCB group (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.39, p = 0.003). The two regimens were comparable for TLP at 3 months (RR 1.14, p = 0.24) and 12 months (RR 1.14, p = 0.10). The two regimens were comparable in terms of circuit patency rate, target-lesion revascularization, and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: DCB has significantly superior TLP and a comparable risk of mortality to UCB. Further research is warranted to identify factors affecting outcomes following DCB angioplasty for dysfunctional dialysis access.
DOI
10.1007/s10157-025-02642-7
Publication Date
2-24-2025
Recommended Citation
Elahi, Aarij; Qamar, Momina; Khan, Fasih Mand; Babar, Rameesha; Zahid, Muhammad Jawad; Ahmad, Muhammad Omar; Wali, Shah; Afzal, Sharib; Ikram, Moeen; Shah, Syed Ahsan; Rehman, Mohammad Ebad; Cheema, Huzaifa Ahmad; Anwar, Usama; Tahir, Muhammad Mohid; and Bellos, Ioannis, "Efficacy of drug-coated balloon versus uncoated balloon for dysfunctional dialysis access: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2025). Radiology. 130.
https://scholar.bridgeporthospital.org/radiology/130
Identifier
39992495 (pubmed); 10.1007/s10157-025-02642-7 (doi); 10.1007/s10157-025-02642-7 (pii)