Low-Intensity Adjusted-Dose Warfarin for the Prevention of Hemodialysis Catheter Failure

174 hemodialysis patients with newly-placed double-lumen tunneled or untunneled central-venous catheters (within 72 hours of initial placement or guidewire exchange), mean age 61.6, 56.3% male, in Canada.

Low-intensity monitored-dose warfarin, target international normalized ratio (INR) 1.5 to 1.9, adjusted according to an algorithm.

Matching placebo capsule, adjusted according to a schedule of sham INR results.

Time to intervention for first mechanical catheter failure (inability to establish a circuit or pump speed less than 200 ml/min) not caused by kinking or extrusion.hard clinical