Blood thinner fails to boost dialysis fistula success in large trial

NCT ID NCT03289520

Completed Disease control Sponsor: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic renal failure syndrome kidney failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEMODIALYSIS FISTULA THROMBOSIS KIDNEY FAILURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston University Medical Center

Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
Duke University Medical Center

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
Maine Medical Center

Portland, Maine, 04102, United States
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
University of Texas Southwestern

Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States
Washington University

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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