Chronic Ambulatory Ultrafiltration for Patients with Refractory Heart Failure: Renal Implications

Abstract

Introduction: Deterioration of renal function is commonly seen in patients with diuretic-resistant heart failure (HF) and portends poor prognosis in this subgroup. Ultrafiltration has been increasingly used as a novel therapeutic option in this setting and is believed to lack the deleterious effects of diuretics on renal function. Currently, there are only few data on the role of ultrafiltration in the management of HF in the chronic outpatient setting. In this study, we have explored the impact of chronic ultrafiltration therapy on renal function in ambulatory patients with HF.