Trends in Hemodialysis Vascular Access From the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) 2000 to 2005

Incident use of fistulas and grafts decreased, with an unexpected increase in both incident and prevalent catheters between 2000 and 2005. Adjustment for factors associated with access type did not significantly alter the trends. Changes in unidentified practice patterns, attitudes, or preferences are contributing to these trends. Ongoing evaluation of data and investigation into processes of care are required to increase functioning fistulas, together with reevaluation of the role of grafts in patients without a fistula.