Use of a novel ultrafiltration device as a treatment strategy for diuretic resistant, refractory heart failure: initial clinical experience in a single center.

BACKGROUND: The System 100 UF device allows ultrafiltration (UF) via peripheral access and is approved for use in heart failure (HF), although clinical trials defining optimal target population and clinical utility are lacking. We report our initial experience with clinical use of this system in very advanced, diuretic resistant HF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven HF patients (mean age 70 years) underwent 1 to 5 UF treatments each (total 32 UF). The goal was to remove 4 liters of fluid per 8-hour UF. Baseline creatinine averaged 2.2 mg/dL (range .9-3.2) while estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) averaged 38 mL/min (range 20-87). Nine patients (82%) had moderate (GFR 30-59; n = 3) or severe (GFR <30; n = 6) renal dysfunction. Nine patients (82%) had documented right ventricular dysfunction, 6 with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Average daily intravenous furosemide dose prior to UF was 258 mg (range 80-480). Patients had received nesiritide (n = 4), dopamine (n = 4), and zaroxylyn (n = 7) prior to UF. Of the 32 UF treatments, 13 (41%) removed >3500 mL, 11 (34%) removed 2500-3500 mL, and 8 (25%) removed <2500 mL. Only one UF treatment (3%) was aborted due to hypotension. There were no significant complications related to UF. Five patients (45%) experienced an increase in creatinine of >.3 mg/dl. Five patients required dialysis for persistent diuretic resistant volume overload or uremic symptoms. Six-month mortality was 55%. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral UF safely but variably removed fluid. In this very high-risk, advanced HF population, 45% of patients developed worsening renal function during UF therapy. Controlled studies are needed to determine the impact of UF on renal function and outcomes in high-risk populations such as this.