Early Intervention for Steal Syndrome in Patients on Hemodialysis

Dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS) is a serious, challenging complication related to diminished arterial blood flow to the hand. Patients may not be routinely assessed for this diagnosis, resulting in a delayed presentation with severe hand pain, nerve damage, and tissue loss. This pil...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Nephrology nursing journal : journal of the American Nephrology Nurses' Association Vol. 50; no. 2; p. 117
Main Authors:	Kamel, Nada F, Bowers, Margaret T, Leonard, Christina, Dillavou, Ellen D
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-03-2023
Subjects:	Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical - adverse effects Humans Ischemia - diagnosis Ischemia - etiology Ischemia - therapy Pilot Projects Renal Dialysis - adverse effects Renal Dialysis - methods Treatment Outcome Upper Extremity - blood supply Upper Extremity - surgery dialysis access dialysis access steal syndrome prevention symptoms of steal syndrome Steal Syndrome Assessment Tool steal syndrome
Online Access:	Get more information
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	Dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS) is a serious, challenging complication related to diminished arterial blood flow to the hand. Patients may not be routinely assessed for this diagnosis, resulting in a delayed presentation with severe hand pain, nerve damage, and tissue loss. This pilot project examined the feasibility of implementing an assessment tool to routinely screen patients for steal syndrome. The tool was used for all patients in three participating dialysis centers. Positive patients had a streamlined referral to vascular surgery for assessment and possible treatment. This pilot project demonstrates that education and subsequent routine screening for DASS within the dialysis facility is feasible, and can be incorporated into the workflow for both the dialysis facility and the servicing vascular surgery office. Early recognition of DASS will prevent severe injuries and tissue loss.
ISSN:	1526-744X
DOI:	10.37526/1526-744X.2023.50.2.117