The use of a carboxylic cation exchange resin in the therapy of congestive heart failure

Abstract

1. 1. A carboxylic acid cation exchange resin, containing a mixture of the ammonium and potassium forms, was administered to six cardiac patients and one patient with the nephrotic syndrome, predominantly on an outpatient basis, for periods ranging from six weeks to one year. One other cardiac patient was unable to tolerate the drug because of gastric distress. 2. 2. Five of the six cardiac patients were benefited by therapy to the extent that there was a marked reduction in the number of mercurial injections necessary to keep them symptom free. The other cardiac patient, who had impairment of renal function, had a toxic reaction in the form of an uncompensated acidosis. He also developed hypokalemia with evidences of digitalis intoxication. One patient had an episode of salt depletion during unusually hot weather. A diuresis was not induced in the nephrotic patient by therapy with this resin. 3. 3. The use of this resin appears to be practical for the treatment of ambulatory patients with cardiac failure who can be followed closely. A carbon dioxide combining power above 20 meq. per liter appears to be a safe level. 4. 4. The resin should be used with extreme caution in patients with inadequate renal function.