Blood thinner fails to boost dialysis fistula success in large trial
NCT ID NCT03289520
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether clopidogrel, a blood thinner, could prevent early failure of arteriovenous fistulas in 877 people with kidney failure starting hemodialysis. While clopidogrel reduced the risk of fistula clotting, it did not improve the chance that the fistula would be usable for dialysis. The results suggest that preventing clots alone is not enough to ensure a working fistula.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
clopidogrel
What this could lead to
If successful, clopidogrel could help keep fistulas open longer, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and improving dialysis access reliability.
What could go wrong
The trial found that while clopidogrel reduced early fistula clotting, it did not increase the number of fistulas suitable for dialysis. This limits its practical benefit. Also, as a blood thinner, it carries bleeding risks.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Boston University Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
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Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
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Maine Medical Center
Portland, Maine, 04102, United States
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
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University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
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University of Texas Southwestern
Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
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Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States
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Washington University
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States