Impact of intravenous furosemide on flow rate characteristics and clinic waiting times.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a single dose of i.v. furosemide on clinic waiting times and urinary flow rate parameters in a group of symptomatic men. METHODS: Sixty-two consecutive men attending a prostate assessment clinic were prospectively entered into the study. They were then randomized to receive 10 mg of i.v. furosemide or to drink oral fluids only, as per standard protocol. Flow rate parameters and clinic waiting times were recorded. RESULTS: The clinic waiting time was significantly reduced by the administration of i.v. furosemide compared to oral fluid alone (81 vs 36 min; P < 0.0001) without any alteration in flow rate characteristics. Interestingly, although there was no statistically significant difference between the voided volumes in both groups (251 vs 313 mL; P = 0.115) all of the patients given furosemide voided a volume of over 150 mL, where as almost a third (10/32) of those receiving oral fluid alone did not achieve this. There were no adverse events following the administration of i.v. diuretic. CONCLUSION: A single dose of i.v. furosemide dramatically reduces the overall clinic waiting time without inducing statistically significant changes in flow rate parameters. Indeed, none of the patients receiving furosemide voided less than 150 mL. We would thus recommend this practice be considered as an alternative to standard uroflowmetry protocols.