Sodio urinario como factor pronóstico para mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca aguda descompensada

Introducción. En los pacientes con falla cardíaca, el sodio urinario se ha propuesto como marcador de gravedad y resistencia a los diuréticos, pero los resultados de los estudios reportados son heterogéneos. Objetivo. Evaluar el sodio en orina ocasional como factor pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca descompensada. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis anidado de casos y controles de una cohorte prospectiva de falla cardíaca descompensada. El desenlace primario fue mortalidad a los 180 días. Se hizo un análisis bivariado para evaluar las variables que se asocian con la mortalidad. Se analizaron las diferencias de las variables clínicas entre los grupos con sodio urinario mayor o menor de 70 mEq/L. Resultados. Se incluyeron 79 pacientes de los cuales 15 fallecieron a los 180 días. La edad promedio fue de 68,9 años (DE: ±13,8), 30 eran mujeres (38 %). Quince pacientes (18,9 %) tuvieron un sodio en orina inferior a 70 mEq/L. En el análisis bivariado se encontró una asociación significativa de la mortalidad con las hospitalizaciones, la presión arterial sistólica inferior a 90 mm Hg, el uso de inotrópicos y el sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L. Los pacientes con sodio urinario bajo habían estado hospitalizados con mayor frecuencia en el último año, tenían menores valores de sodio sérico y presión arterial al ingreso. Conclusión. Los pacientes con sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L tienen características de mayor gravedad. En el análisis bivariado, el sodio urinario se asoció con mortalidad a los 180 días.

Introduction. Urinary sodium has been proposed as a prognostic marker and indicator of the diuretic response in patients with heart failure. However, study results are heterogeneous. Objective. To evaluate the spot urinary sodium level as a risk factor for mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure. Materials and methods. We conducted a case-control study nested in a prospective cohort of patients with decompensated heart failure. The primary outcome was mortality at 180 days. The risk factors associated with mortality were evaluated through a bivariate analysis. Differences in clinical variables between groups with urinary sodium greater than or lesser than 70 mEq/L were analyzed. Results. The study included 79 patients; 15 died at 180 days. Their mean age was 68.9 years (SD=± 13.8); 30 were women (38%), and 15 (18.9%) had urinary sodium <70 mEq/L. In the bivariate analysis, a significant association was found between mortality and past medical history of hospitalizations, SBP<90 mm Hg, the use of inotropes, and urinary sodium <70 mEq/L. Regarding clinical characteristics, patients with low urinary sodium level in the last year were hospitalized more frequently with hyponatremia and hypotension at admission. Conclusion. Patients with urinary sodium <70 mEq/L had more severe signs. In a bivariate analysis, urinary sodium was associated with mortality at 180 days.

New-Onset Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery - A Retrospective Case-Control Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Objective: To explore predictive factors and potential mechanisms of new-onset POAF in isolated off-pump CABG patients. Methods: Retrospective observational case-control study of 233 patients undergoing isolated off-pump CABG surgery between August 2018 and July 2020 at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School. Associations between predictor variables and new-onset POAF were identified. The main outcome was new-onset POAF after CABG surgery. Results: A total of 75 (32.19%) patients developed new-onset POAF after CABG surgery. The new-onset POAF patients had advanced age, higher baseline systolic blood pressure, more preoperative use of diuretic drug, more transfusion of blood products, atrial dilation and postoperative positive inotropic drug treatment. Nineteen variates entered the multivariable logistic regression model with a Hosmer-Lemeshow test score of 7.565 (P=0.477). Postoperative left atrial enlargement, postoperative drainage in the first 24 hours and total length of hospital stay were statistically significant, while postoperative right atrial enlargement (OR and 95% CI, 7.797 [0.200, 304.294], P=0.272) and left atrial enlargement (3.524 [1.141, 10.886], P=0.029) assessed by echocardiography had the largest OR value. Conclusion: Atrial enlargement is strongly associated with new-onset POAF in patients with isolated off-pump CABG, thus it highlights the advantage of echocardiography as a useful tool for predicting new-onset POAF. Careful monitoring and timely intervention should be considered for these patients.

Use of Diuretics is Associated with Higher Risk of Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Hypertension

Abstract Background: Sarcopenia is a disease that involves skeletal muscle mass loss and is highly prevalent in the older adult population. Moreover, the incidence of sarcopenia is increased in patients with hypertension. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the association between the classes of the drugs used for arterial hypertension treatment and the presence or absence of sarcopenia. Methods: 129 older adults with hypertension were evaluated by the researchers who registered the participants medication for arterial hypertension treatment. Sarcopenia level was measured by anthropometric parameters, muscular strength, and functional capacity. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc test and Fisher's exact test; statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: Age was not different between women with different levels of sarcopenia, but significant differences were observed between men with absent sarcopenia (66.8±4.2 years) and men with probable sarcopenia (77.0±10.2 years). Individuals with absent sarcopenia showed higher handgrip strength (men: 33.8±7.4, women: 23.2±4.6 Kgf) in comparison with those with sarcopenia (men with probable sarcopenia: 9.5±3.3 Kgf, women with probable, confirmed, and severe sarcopenia: 11.7±2.5, 12.2±3.0, 11.8±1.8 Kgf, respectively). The analysis showed an association between the type of medication and degree of sarcopenia; diuretics were significantly associated with probable sarcopenia, and angiotensin II receptor blockers (alone or in combination with diuretics) was associated with absence of sarcopenia. Conclusion: In conclusion, handgrip strength was a good method to diagnose sarcopenia, and diuretics were associated with increased risk of sarcopenia in older adults with hypertension.

Tolvaptan add-on therapy and its effects on efficacy parameters and outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure

Introduction: Even with the adequate use of diuretics and vasodilators, volume overload and congestion are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (HF). We aim to evaluate the additive effect of tolvaptan on efficacy parameters as well as outcomes in hospitalized patients with HF. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials that studied the effects of tolvaptan versus placebo in hospitalized patients with HF. Studies were included if they had any of the following endpoints: mortality, re-hospitalization, and inhospital parameters like dyspnea relief, change in weight, sodium, and creatinine. Results: The meta-analysis analyzed data from 14 studies involving 5945 patients. The follow up duration ranged from 30 days to 2 years. Between tolvaptan and placebo groups, there was no difference in mortality and rehospitalization. HF patients had a better dyspnea relief score (Likert score) in tolvaptan group and mean reduction in weight in the first 48 h (short-term). However, at 7 days (medium-term) the mean difference in weight was not significant. Serum sodium increased significantly in tolvaptan group. There was no difference in creatinine among the two groups. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis shows that tolvaptan helps in short-term symptomatic dyspnea relief and weight reduction, but there are no long term benefits including reduction in mortality and rehospitalization.

Fluid overload in critically ill children and advances in its treatment / 国际儿科学杂志

Fluid overload(FO)is significantly associated with survival in critically ill children.Excessive fluid accumulation in the body causes tissue oedema, which may lead to heart failure, acute kidney injury(AKI)and acute pulmonary oedema, affecting length of hospital stay, readmission rates and prognosis.According to the cause of the FO, the main treatments are fluid restriction, diuretics, and ultrafiltration.Diuretics are often used clinically to treat patients with FO.International guidelines recommend ultrafiltration to remove excess water when diuretic therapy is not effective or when diuretic resistance occurs, or when life-threatening complications arise.However, there is no conclusion on the setting for the net ultrafiltration intensity in ultrafiltration, particularly in critically ill children.With the development of ultrafiltration technology, the application of ultrafiltration in the treatment of FO patients will be further carried out.This article provides a review of the FO and its treatment in critically ill children.

Uso de Solución Hipertónica en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda como terapia adyuvante a altas dosis de diuréticos / Use of Hypertonic Solution in patients with acute heart failure as adjunctive therapy to high-dose diuretics

Resumen La insuficiencia cardíaca aguda descompensada (ICAD) es una causa común de hospitalización, con repercusiones significativas en los sistemas de salud. El manejo agudo se basa en la reducción de la volemia con diuréticos de asa, sin embargo, un porcentaje de pacientes presenta resistencia o no logra la respuesta clínica esperada con este tratamiento. Una de las medidas que ha comprobado ser efectiva en este contexto, es el uso de solución salina hipertónica (SSH) en conjunto con dosis altas de diuréticos de asa, como medida terapéutica temida por sus posibles repercusiones sobre la función renal y posible sobrecarga de sodio. Objetivos: Determinar si el uso de solución salina hipertónica en pacientes con falla cardiaca aguda e hipervolemia genera un deterioro de la función renal. Determinar la respuesta del Pro-BNP ante el uso de la solución salina hipertónica en pacientes con falla cardiaca aguda como marcador de respuesta terapéutica. Determinar si el uso de solución salina hipertónica aumenta la diuresis sin generar cambios importantes en el sodio. Se muestran datos de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda descompensada, que tras no presentar mejoría con altas dosis de diurético de asa en bolo, se les aplicó la solución hipertónica como adyuvante a este tratamiento. Se toma un total de 26 pacientes analizando datos generales clínicos y de laboratorio, se valoran curvas con la respuesta diurética y por parámetros de laboratorio a las 48 y 72 horas. El uso de solución salina hipertónica consigue un aumento de más de un 200% de la diuresis en 24 horas, con un descenso del Pro BNP de más de un 60% a las 48 horas, sin mostrar un cambio importante en los niveles de creatinina, nitrógeno ureico y sodio. Se requirió reposición de potasio en la totalidad de los pacientes. Se concluye que la infusión de furosemida más solución hipertónica es efectiva tanto en disminuir niveles de NT Pro-BNP en los pacientes, como en generar un aumento en el volumen de diuresis. La principal complicación fue la hipokalemia, sin cambios considerables en el valor de sodio, creatinina y nitrógeno ureico séricos.

Abstract Uso de Solución Hipertónica en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda como terapia adyuvante a altas dosis de diuréticos Acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) is a common cause of hospitalization, with significant repercussions on health systems. Acute management is based on the reduction of blood volume with loop diuretics; however, a percentage of patients show resistance or do not achieve the expected clinical response with this treatment. One of the measures that has proven to be effective in this context is the use of hypertonic saline (HSS) in conjunction with high doses of loop diuretics, as a therapeutic measure feared due to its possible repercussions on kidney function and possible sodium overload. Objetives: To determine if the use of hypertonic saline in patients with acute heart failure and hypervolemia leads to a deterioration in renal function. To determine the response of Pro-BNP to the use of hypertonic saline in patients with acute heart failure as a marker of therapeutic response. Determine if the use of hypertonic saline increases urine output without causing significant changes in sodium. Data are shown from patients with acute decompensated heart failure, who after not presenting improvement with high doses of bolus loop diuretic, the hypertonic solution was applied as an adjunct to this treatment. A total of 26 patients are taken analyzing general clinical and laboratory data, curves with the diuretic response and by laboratory parameters are evaluated at 48 and 72 hours. The use of hypertonic saline solution achieves an increase of more than 200% in diuresis in 24 hours, with a decrease in Pro BNP of more than 60% at 48 hours, without showing a significant change in creatinine levels, urea nitrogen and sodium. Potassium replacement was required in all patients. It is concluded that the infusion of furosemide plus hypertonic solution is effective both in reducing levels of NT Pro-BNP in patients, and in generating an increase in the volume of diuresis. The main complication was hypokalemia, without significant changes in serum sodium, creatinine, and urea nitrogen.

Agravamento da Função Renal e Congestão em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda: Estudo com Análise Vetorial de Bioimpedância Elétrica (BIVA) e Lipocalina Associada à Gelatinase Neutrofílica (NGAL) / Worsening Renal Function and Congestion in Patients with Acute Heart Failure: A Study with Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL)

Resumo Fundamento: O agravamento da função renal (AFR) é frequentemente observado na terapia agressiva com diuréticos para o tratamento de insuficiência cardíaca aguda descompensada (ICAD) e está associado com piores desfechos em alguns estudos. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação de AFR e congestão na alta hospitalar com ocorrência de eventos (morte cardíaca ou internação por insuficiência cardíaca). Métodos: Oitenta pacientes com ICAD foram estudados. O AFR foi definido por um aumento absoluto (≥0,5 mg/dL) nos níveis séricos de creatinina a partir dos valores obtidos na admissão. Concentrações de peptídeo natriurético do tipo B (BNP) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase neutrofílica (NGAL) foram medidas na admissão e na alta hospitalar. Congestão foi avaliada na alta utilizando a análise vetorial de bioimpedância elétrica (BIVA). O desfecho primário foi o tempo para o primeiro evento, definido como uma combinação de morte cardíaca ou hospitalização por insuficiência cardíaca. Análise de curva Característica de Operação do Receptor (curva ROC) foi realizada para determinar o ponto de corte de IH mais adequado para predição de eventos. Curvas Kaplan-Meier de sobrevida livre de eventos foram construídas e comparadas usando o teste de log-rank. Modelos de riscos proporcionais de Cox foram usados para investigar a associação com eventos. O critério para se estabelecer significância estatística foi um p<0.05. Resultados: A idade média foi 60,6 ± 15,0 anos, e 48 (60%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A fração de ejeção média foi 35,3±7,8%. O AFR ocorreu em 37,5% da amostra. A creatinina basal associou-se com AFR (p<0,001), mas nem BNP (p=0,35) nem NGAL (p=0,18) na admissão foram preditores de AFR. Usando modelos de riscos proporcionais de Cox, o índice de hidratação na alta, estimado por BIVA, associou-se significativamente com ocorrência de eventos (HR 1,39; IC95% 1,25-1,54, p<0,0001), mas não com AFR (HR 2,14; IC95% 0,62-7,35, p=0,22). Conclusão: A congestão persistente na alta associou-se com piores desfechos. O AFR parece estar relacionado com alterações hemodinâmicas durante o processo de descongestionamento, mas não com lesões renais.

Abstract Background: Worsening renal function (WRF) is frequently observed in the setting of aggressive diuresis for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and is associated with poor outcomes in some studies. Objective: We sought to assess the relationship of WRF and congestion at discharge with events (cardiac death or heart failure hospitalization). Methods: Eighty patients with ADHF were studied. WRF was defined by an absolute increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.5 mg/dL from the values measured at the time of admission. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured at admission and at discharge. Congestive state at discharge was assessed using bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Primary endpoint was time to first event defined as a combination of cardiac death or heart failure hospitalization. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the best hydration index cutoff to predict events. Kaplan-Meier event-free survival curves were constructed and compared using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association with events. The criterion for determining statistical significance was p<0.05. Results: Mean age was 60.6±15 years, and 48 (60%) were male. Mean ejection fraction was 35.3±7.8%. WRF occurred in 37.5% of the sample. Baseline creatinine was associated with WRF (p<0.001), but neither admission BNP (p=0.35) nor admission NGAL (p=0.18) was predictor of WRF. Using Cox proportional hazard models, hydration index at discharge calculated with BIVA was significantly associated with events (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.25-1.54, p<0.0001) but not WRF (HR 2.14, 95% CI 0.62-7.35, p=0.22). Conclusion: Persistent congestion at discharge was associated with worse outcomes. WRF seems to be related to hemodynamic changes during the decongestion process but not to kidney tubular injuries.

Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in nephrolithiasis / Diuréticos tiazídicos e tiazídicos-like na nefrolitíase

Abstract Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are widely used for the management of hypercalciuria among stone-forming patients. Although the effects of different thiazides should be relatively similar in terms of prevention of stone recurrence, their potency and side effects may differ. However, there is scarce data concerning the metabolic and bone effects of these agents among recurrent nephrolithiasis patients with hypercalciuria. The aim of this update article was to compare our experience in the use of thiazide and thiazide- like diuretics with that of the current literature, concerning their anticalciuric properties and consequent reduction of recurrent stone formation. Their impact on bone mass and potential side effects were also discussed.

Resumo Diuréticos tiazídicos e tiazídicos-like são amplamente usados para o tratamento da hipercalciúria em pacientes com formação de cálculos. Embora os efeitos dos diferentes tiazídicos devam ser relativamente semelhantes em termos de prevenção da recorrência do cálculo, sua potência e efeitos colaterais podem ser diferentes. No entanto, há poucos dados sobre os efeitos metabólicos e ósseos desses agentes em pacientes com nefrolitíase recorrente com hipercalciúria. O objetivo deste artigo de atualização foi comparar nossa experiência quanto ao uso de tiazídicos e tiazídicos-like com a publicada na literatura atual, no que diz respeito às suas propriedades anticalciúricas e consequente redução da formação de cálculos recorrentes. Discutimos também seu impacto na massa óssea e potenciais efeitos colaterais.

Trastornos electrolíticos inducidos por fármacos y sustancias tóxicas / Electrolyte disorders induced by drugs and toxic substances

Las enfermedades pueden generar un desequilibrio de electrolitos como parte de su fisiopatología, al igual que los medicamentos usados crónicamente y algunas sustancias tóxicas disponibles en nuestro medio. A pesar de todos los datos estadísticos existentes, la incidencia global de los trastornos electrolíticos secundarios a fármacos o sustancias tóxicas permanece desconocida, y, posiblemente, subregistrada; por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta revisión es analizar los trastornos electrolíticos que causan algunos medicamentos y sustancias tóxicas, y describir el mecanismo a través del cual se producen las alteraciones, en particular, del sodio, potasio, magnesio, calcio y fósforo, con el fin de alertar a los profesionales de la salud en el momento de enfrentarse a este tipo de condiciones en su práctica clínica. El conocimiento de los efectos adversos relacionados con medicamentos y tóxicos es importante para prevenir, identificar y gestionar de forma eficaz, complicaciones que son potencialmente peligrosas. Esta revisión pretende ser un referente de apoyo para los profesionales de la salud en estas situaciones

Diseases can generate an electrolyte imbalance as part of their pathophysiology, as well as chronic use of some medications, and toxic substances available in our environment. Despite all the separate statistical data, the overall incidence of fluid and electrolyte disorders secondary to drugs or toxic substances remains unknown, and possibly underreported; therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze electrolyte disorders caused by some medications and toxic substances, and describe the mechanism through which changes in sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus occur, in particular, in order to alert health professionals when facing this type of conditions in their clinical practice. Knowledge of drug and toxic-related adverse effects is important to effectively prevent, identify, and manage complications that can be potentially life-threatening. This review intends to be a reference for supporting health professionals in these situations

Management of edema in children with nephrotic syndrome / 中国小儿急救医学

Edema is one of the main clinical manifestations of nephrotic syndrome (NS), and also the chief complaint to visit a doctor.The condition significantly affects the quality of life in children with NS, and can cause a variety of comorbidities in severe cases, which can be life-threatening without handling properly.For children with steroid-sensitive NS, the edema can be completely resolved after the glucocorticoid therapy.Whereas for many children with steroid-resistant NS or hereditary NS, symptomatic treatment for edema is essential.A variety of mechanisms are involved in the occurrence of edema in children with NS, and more targeted treatments based on the mechanisms may achieve better curative effects and avoid drug side effects.

EXISTEM DIFERENÇAS ENTRE OS DIURÉTICOS TIAZÍDICOS? / ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIAZIDE DIURETICS?

Desenvolvidos em 1950, os diuréticos estão entre as drogas mais utilizadas no arsenal terapêutico clínico, principalmente na hipertensão arterial e nos quadros edematosos. O mecanismo de ação envolve a excreção renal de água, eletrólitos e diminuição da reabsorção de sódio em diferentes locais do néfron, com consequente aumento do sódio urinário e da água. Os diuréticos tiazídicos mais usados na prática clínica em pacientes hipertensos são: hidroclorotiazida (HCTZ), clortalidona (CTD) e indapamida (IDP). Em relação à potência anti-hipertensiva, a CTD é uma vez e meia a duas vezes mais potente que a hidroclorotiazida. HCTZ é menos potente do que qualquer outro anti-hipertensivo, incluindo inibidores da enzima de conversão da angiotensina, bloqueadores do receptor da angiotensina e antagonistas dos canais de cálcio. O IDP tem ação anti-hipertensiva devido aos seus efeitos no túbulo distal, inibindo a reabsorção do cloreto de sódio e tem efeitos mais intensos e sustentados na redução da pressão arterial. Os diuréticos tiazídicos são muito diferentes, tanto em níveis variados de redução da pressão arterial quanto em efeitos adversos, de modo que sua proteção contra danos em órgãos-alvo está relacionada ao efeito de classe

Developed in 1950, diuretics are among the most used drugs in the clinician's therapeutic arsenal, especially in arterial hypertension and edematous conditions. The mechanism of action involves the renal excretion of water, electrolytes, and decreasing the reabsorption of sodium in different locations of the nephron, with consequently an increase in urinary sodium and water. The most used thiazide diuretics in clinical practice in hypertensive patients are: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), chlortalidone (CTD) and indapamide (IDP). Regarding the antihypertensive potency, CTD is one and a half to two times more potent than hydrochlorothiazide. HCTZ is less potent than any other antihypertensives including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel antagonists. IDP has an antihypertensive action due to its effects on the distal contoured tubule, inhibiting sodium chloride reabsorption and has more intense and sustained effects in reducing blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics are very different, both in varying levels of blood pressure reduction and adverse effects, so their protection from target organ damage is related to the class effect

A Clinical and Aetiological Study of Hyponatremia in Patients Admitted to Medical Intensive Care Unit in a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital.

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients. Its clinical diagnosis is difficult due to its marked variation in symptomatology as well as in its aetiology. As there are few studies on the clinical profile and aetiology of hyponatremia, the current study aims at evaluating the clinical and aetiological profile in patients admitted to a rural tertiary care hospital.METHODSIt is a descriptive study in which patients more than 20 years of age who had serum sodium <135 mEq/L within a study period of one year were included considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All relevant data were collected and analyzed.RESULTSAmong the 70 study subjects, the mean age of distribution was 54.8 ± 11.35 years with male preponderance (63%). Vomiting (35.7%) was the most common complaint. Profound hyponatremia was seen in 37%, whereas moderate hyponatremia in 33%. Systemic hypertension (42.9%) was the commonest comorbidity followed by diabetes mellitus (17.2%), and diuretic use (57.1%) was the commonest cause of hyponatremia followed by gastrointestinal (GI) losses (21.3%). Hypovolemic hyponatremia was seen in 77% of the study subjects followed by hypervolemic hyponatremia in 17% and euvolemi bmb nc hyponatremia in 6%.CONCLUSIONSAs the aetiology of hyponatremia might be multifactorial, a meticulous approach is required for the correct diagnosis. As an accurate diagnosis can alter the outcome with timely intervention significantly reducing the high morbidity and mortality associated with the condition, a thorough understanding of its pathophysiology and the treatment strategy is essential.

Perfusión de furosemida subcutánea como tratamiento paliativo en insuficiencia cardiaca refractaria / Subcutaneous furosemide infusion as palliative treatment in refractory end-stage heart failure

Resumen En la insuficiencia cardiaca terminal los síntomas predominantes habitualmente están relacionados con la congestión; sin embargo, la resistencia a diuréticos vía oral es frecuente y necesita tratamiento parenteral para paliar los síntomas. La administración intravenosa de furosemida requiere hospitalización o asistencia hospitalaria, lo que supone un deterioro significativo de la calidad de vida de pacientes en fases avanzadas de la enfermedad. La administración subcutánea continua de furosemida mediante infusor elastomérico es una técnica eficaz con baja tasa de complicaciones graves que permite la administración de diurético parenteral en el ámbito domiciliario, y evita la necesidad de hospitalizar. A pesar de que esta modalidad de tratamiento no está aceptada en ficha técnica y requiere más estudios que precisen su indicación, puede suponer un recurso adecuado para pacientes seleccionados. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada, síntomas congestivos y ausencia de respuesta a tratamiento deplectivo vía oral, tratada con perfusión continua subcutánea domiciliaria de furosemida mediante infusor elastomérico de forma prolongada.

Abstract In end-stage heart failure the predominant symptoms are usually associated with congestion. However, the resistance to oral diuretics is common and requires parenteral treatment to alleviate the symptoms. The intravenous administration of furosemide requires hospital admission or hospital care. This leads to a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients in advance stages of the disease. The continuous subcutaneous infusion of furosemide using an elastomeric pump is an effective technique, with a low rate of serious complications that allows a parenteral diuretic to be administered in the home environment and thus avoiding the need for hospital admission. Despite this mode of treatment not being indicated in the drug data sheet, and requires more studies that specify its indication, it may be a suitable recourse for selected patients. It is presented a case of a patient with advanced heart failure, congestive symptoms, and a lack of response to oral diuretics treatment, and then treated with a continuous and prolonged subcutaneous infusion of furosemide at home using an elastomeric infusion pump.

Comparison of First-Line Dual Combination Treatments in Hypertension: Real-World Evidence from Multinational Heterogeneous Cohorts

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: 2018 ESC/ESH Hypertension guideline recommends 2-drug combination as initial anti-hypertensive therapy. However, real-world evidence for effectiveness of recommended regimens remains limited. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of first-line anti-hypertensive treatment combining 2 out of the following classes: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blocker (A), calcium channel blocker (C), and thiazide-type diuretics (D).METHODS: Treatment-naïve hypertensive adults without cardiovascular disease (CVD) who initiated dual anti-hypertensive medications were identified in 5 databases from US and Korea. The patients were matched for each comparison set by large-scale propensity score matching. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events as a composite outcome comprised the secondary measure.RESULTS: A total of 987,983 patients met the eligibility criteria. After matching, 222,686, 32,344, and 38,513 patients were allocated to A+C vs. A+D, C+D vs. A+C, and C+D vs. A+D comparison, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mortality during total of 1,806,077 person-years: A+C vs. A+D (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97−1.20; p=0.127), C+D vs. A+C (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87−1.01; p=0.067), and C+D vs. A+D (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.95−1.47; p=0.104). A+C was associated with a slightly higher risk of heart failure (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01−1.18; p=0.040) and stroke (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01−1.17; p=0.040) than A+D.CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in mortality among A+C, A+D, and C+D combination treatment in patients without previous CVD. This finding was consistent across multi-national heterogeneous cohorts in real-world practice.