Supplementation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Does Not Reduce the Incidence of Thrombosis

Introduction: Thromboses are more likely to occur with End-Stage Renal Disease patients in their vascular access which can cause increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of orally administered over-the-counter (OTC) n-3 fatty acid supplements on primary patency of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) grafts. Design: The study was conducted using a triple-blind, permuted-block randomized and placebo controlled experimental design. Central Texas Nephrology Associates related dialysis clinics with patients who needed a new PTFE graft based on physician diagnosis were recruited for the study. Patients (N=34) were followed prospectively for 8-months after being placed into an n-3 fatty acid or control group and monitored for primary patency as the primary outcome variable. Primary patency is defined as patients having avoided either a placement of a new graft or angioplasty due to a thrombosis in the vascular access of the draining vein. Results: The n-3 fatty acid group had a mean PTFE graft primary patency rate of 254.2 days (SEM=51.8), while the control group had a mean PTFE graft primary patency rate of 254.1 days (SEM=34.6) revealing no significant difference in survival time between groups [Log-Rank (.7451), Wilcoxon (.4221) and -2Log (LR) (.5883)] using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard method. There were no significant differences in the covariates with the exception of small LDL. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in primary patency rates between groups suggesting the OTC supplement may have not had enough DHA and EPA to elicit a response of decreased endothelial hyperplasia.