It was measured using a validated measuring device [ 13], a container with a lid incorporating an electronic device that recorded the occurrence and timing of opening (TrackCap, Aardex, Zurich, Switzerland).
Spinal stiffness was measured at the third lumbar vertebra using a validated indentation device.
Office blood pressure will be measured on 3 occasions using a validated automated device.
Central Hemodynamic Parameters (central blood pressure, central pressure augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) were recorded in the non-fistula arm using a validated oscillometric device (Arteriograph®, Medexpert).
Last seated clinic BP values, measured according to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence clinical guideline 127 using a validated semiautomatic device (A&D Digital BP Monitor UA-767PC, A&D Instruments) were recorded, prior to biochemical analysis of a spot urine sample.
Brachial blood pressure was measured by a trained technician using a validated oscillometric device at the clinic visit after the patient had rested for at least 5 min in a seated position.
However, the primary end point (cold pain threshold in hands) is an independent measure performed by the investigator and the clinical research technician, using a validated medical device (MEDOC TSA-II, Abioz Technologies, Ramat Yishai, Israel).
Blood pressure was measured after a minimum of five minutes rest in the sitting position, using a validated oscillometric device, recommended by the British Hypertension Society Digital Blood Pressure Monitor Modell UA-767, A&D Instruments Ltd ,Abingdon, UK).
Screening is performed using a validated automated BP device, the BpTRU (VSM MedTech Ltd ,Coquitlam, Canada).
The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) was assessed using a validated oscillometric automated device (WatchBP Office ABI; Microlife AG) [ 30].
