Clinical Evidence

The effects of curcumin and acetylsalicylic acid to arteriovenous fistula maturation in end-stage renal disease patients with diabetes mellitus
International Journal of General Medicine and Pharmacy.2020; 9(4): 5-12
“End-stage kidney disease with diabetes mellitus is a global health problem that contributes to catastrophic health expenditure and have a significant effect in high morbidity and mortality. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has a high risk of maturation failure in the diabetic patient due to various reasons. However, insufficient flow from feeding artery and draining vein, and early thrombus formation after surgery is the leading AVF maturation failure among diabetes mellitus. Several clinical trials suggest that administration curcumin may increase draining vein diameter due to its antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory effects.”
Objective:

To compare the effect of curcumin, acetylsalicylic acid, and placebo on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation in diabetic end stage kidney patients.

Methods:

The study was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 65 patients with diabetes mellitus type-2 who underwent brachiocephalic shunt in the left or right cubital fossa. The subjects were divided into three groups; curcumin group (n=23); 2000 mg / day, acetylsalicylic acid group (n=21); 80 mg / day, and placebo group (n=21). Subjects vein diameter, vein volume flow, vein intima-media thickness, and vein peak systolic velocity in juxta-anastomosis were monitored and evaluated at 4th week and 8th week follow-up.

Results:
  • Curcumin has a higher percentage of arteriovenous fistula maturation (82.6%) versus placebo (57.1%), and acetylsalicylic acid (71.4%)
  • In curcumin group, vein intima-media thickness is significantly better than other groups (p=0.003) after 8 weeks follow-up
  • A significant difference in draining vein diameter was noted between the curcumin vs. placebo group (p<0.05)
Conclusion

Curcumin C3 Complex® performed better in arteriovenous fistula maturation than aspirin and placebo in 65 patients with end-stage kidney failure complicated with diabetes by increasing the draining vein diameter and a higher maturation rate.