Signs Of Fluid Overload Research Articles

Increased extracellular water measured by bioimpedance analysis and increased serum levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in polymyalgia rheumatica patients : Signs of volume overload.

Water retention is atypical feature of acute inflammatory episodes, chiefly implemented by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an important compensatory mechanism counteracting expected water loss, e.g., due to sweating. Both the SNS and HPA axis are activated in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). As retention mechanisms may similarly apply in this disease, we hypothesized increased water retention in PMR. Using bioimpedance analysis body composition was investigated in 64 healthy controls and 32 treatment-naive PMR patients. All PMR patients satisfied the 2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria for PMR. 32 PMR patients were tested before and after 7 days of glucocorticoid-based therapy. Serum levels of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP) were investigated in all PMR patients and 15 healthy controls. Extracellular water (ECW) was markedly higher in PMR patients than in controls (mean ± SD: 49.1 ± 6.0% versus 36.3 ± 2.5% of total body water, p < 0.001). Patients with PMR demonstrated significantly higher serum levels of proANP compared to controls. Even before glucocorticoid treatment was initiated, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher in PMR patients compared to controls. Extracellular water levels did not change in PMR patients upon 7 days of intensified treatment. This study demonstrated increased extracellular water and elevated serum levels of proANP as signs of fluid overload in patients with PMR. Volume changes are imprinted as long-lasting mechanisms as water distribution is not affected by short-term anti-inflammatory therapy.

Fluid restriction versus volume expansion in children with diarrhea-associated HUS: a retrospective observational study.

Fifty percent of patients with typical diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+HUS) require kidney replacement therapy (KRT). In these patients, dehydration worsens disease prognosis. We evaluated dialysis requirement, presence of seizures, and mortality rate among patients diagnosed with D+HUS treated with volume expansion (VE) versus fluid restriction (FR). Thirty-five patients with D+HUS were enrolled; 16 received VE and 19 were historical patients who received conventional FR. Upon admission or during treatment, neither group presented evidence of fluid overload. The VE group received higher volumes of saline (VE 27ml/kg [10-30] over a 3-h period vs. FR 0ml), had higher urine output after 12h (VE vs. FR: OR 6.2 [1.2-41.6], P = 0.03), and required less dialysis (VE 2 [12.5%, CI 95% 0-29] vs. FR 9 [47.4%, CI 95% 24-70], P = 0.035). The VE group had an absolute risk reduction of 0.34 (CI 95% 0.07-0.63); hence, three patients treated with VE were required to avoid one KRT. VE also corrected initial hyponatremia and maintained serum sodium within normal ranges. No statistical differences were observed regarding number of patients with seizures (P = 0.08) or mortality (P = 1.0). VE markedly reduces the number of patients requiring KRT and keeps serum sodium within a normal range. We propose to initially hydrate every patient with D+HUS and without signs of fluid overload, with 10ml/kg/h 0.9% saline solution IV, over a 3-h period. Afterwards, if urine output is ≥ 0.5ml/kg/h, it is recommended to not dialyze and continue IV hydration schedule with isotonic (D5) saline solution, according to their needs.

P1127BIOELECTRIC IMPEDANCE IN ESTIMATION OF DRY WEIGHT IN CHRONIC DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Fluid status evaluation is essential to adjust the dry weight(DW) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Bioelectric impedance is a non invasive technique. Its contribution in HD population is well demonatrated. The aim of this study is to compare evaluation of fluid status clinically and by bioimpedance analysis. Method It’s a transversal study conducted in December 2018.We included chronic dialysis patients( for more 3 months) having 3 dialysis sessions(DS) a week. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was performed before and after DS. Results There were 26 patients with an average age of 51,4 years. Sex ratio was 3,33 . Average period spent in HD was 73,7 months. Vascular access was a native arteriovenous fistula in 24 patients, and a catheter in 2 patients. Seven patients had residual diuresis. Average ultrafiltration rate was 2,82 L (10 mL/Kg/h). Before DS, 20 patients had no clinical signs of fluid overload. Unconformity with BIA was noted in 12 patients, with a subclinical overload in all cases. Six patients had clinical signs of fluid overload (including hypertension (HT) in 5 cases), which was concordant with BIA. After DS, 22 patients reached their DW with a correct hydration status, 2 patients still had clinical signs of fluid overload, and 2 had isolated HTA. BIA revealed the persistence of fluid overload in 10 patients contrasting with the absence of clinical signs of hypervolemia in 8 patients. Patients who kept only HT had a normal hydration status. Conclusion Fluid status is an important adequacy issue in the treatment of renal failure. It’s a modifiable risk factor associated to mortality. Bioimpedance analysis is a great help to precise dry weight that must be integrated into our daily practice.

Profil Pasien Hemodialisis Inisiasi Di RSUD Arifin Achmad Provinsi Riau Periode Januari – Desember 2017

Hemodialysis is defined as the process of separation, filtering, or cleansing of blood through a semipermeablemembrane in patients renal failure. Indication of hemodialysis for both diseases is clinical conditions in addition tolaboratory results, such as signs of fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis, and signs of anemia. Thisstudy purposed to describe the profile of patients initiation hemodialysis in RSUD Arifin Achmad Riau Province PeriodJanuary-December 2017. This research was a retrospective descriptive. This study used 94 samples. The number ofmale patients were higher than female patients (60.6%). The most age group was 40-59 years (57.4%). Second degree ofhypertension was 46,8%. The study showed 92.55% of patients had anemia, 50% had hyperkalemia, 56.4% hadhyponatremia, and 41.5% had acidosis. Patients consisted of 81.9% chronic kidney disease, and 18.1% acute renalfailure.

PH Professional Network: “Just Do It”: Practical Aspects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs

PH Professional Network: “Just Do It”: Practical Aspects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs

At What Point Is the Accumulated Evidence Sufficient to Change Maintenance Intravenous Fluid Prescribing Practice in Children? How About Yesterday?

It is intriguing and somewhat disturbing that despite intravenous fluids (IVFs) being the most commonly prescribed therapy in hospitalized children, there still seems to be such a wide variation in the approach to choosing what type of intravenous (IV) maintenance fluid to use1,2 and the required monitoring that goes along with it. In this issue of Hospital Pediatrics , Rooholamini et al3 have attempted to address the discrepancy between evidence and practice through a quality improvement project using a standardized pathway to guide the choice of maintenance IVF. Their multidisciplinary approach included creating an evidence-based clinical pathway synthesizing the current consensus with regards to indications of when to start and discontinue IVFs and especially with regards to the optimal tonicity of the IVFs prescribed. They also included standardized monitoring for dysnatremia and signs of fluid overload. I would recommend readers electronically access the clinical pathway described by Romero et al4 because it is well designed with many good principles prominently highlighted (eg, “do not use 1/4 NS for maintenance fluids,” and “pay attention to weight fluctuations ±3%”) and presents the latest evidence in a pragmatic, algorithmic fashion. Those with increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion risk factors are recommended to receive 0.9% saline, whereas the rest are given 0.45% saline. Some guidance on total IVF maintenance calculation is also given. In the section on monitoring, they have recommended that all children receiving >75% of their maintenance by IVF have their sodium (Na) checked within 24 hours of initiation, but only those on hypotonic fluids require routine daily checks if getting >75% maintenance IVF. Their approach has tried to accommodate perceived gaps and areas of continuing controversy in the evidence (eg, potential adverse effects of isotonic fluids and frequency of Na monitoring). The most relevant and …

Isolated right ventricular thrombus in an adult patient with nephrotic syndrome: a case report

BackgroundVenous thrombosis in nephrotic syndrome is a well-described phenomenon. We report a case of an adult patient with an isolated thrombus in the right ventricle due to nephrotic syndrome, which was initially suspected to be a myxoma.Case presentationA 28-year-old white woman presented to our emergency department with signs of fluid overload. On further evaluation, a right ventricular mass was detected, which was resected and was found to be a thrombus. No other manifestations of venous thrombosis were found. Further evaluation of the patient revealed a nephrotic syndrome, which caused augmented coagulopathy.ConclusionsWe present a case of a patient in whom a right ventricular mass was the first sign of a renally derived coagulopathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an isolated thrombus in the right ventricle due to nephrotic syndrome in an adult. In cases of isolated cardiac thrombi in adults, a further search for renal disease might be helpful to reveal the underlying cause.

The Modern Aspects of Acute Heart Failure Management

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. The prognosis of patients admitted with AHF remains dismal, with over 20% experiencing recurrent HF admission and over 20% dying during the first year after initial admission.The purpose of this study was to provide contemporary perspective for hospital management of AHF within the context of the most recent data and to provide guidance, based on expert opinions, to practicing physicians and other healthcare professionals. Material and methods: In this paper we reviewed of current updated European Cardiology Society (ESC) HF guideline (2016) and modern trials for AHF from Medscape database. Results: Diuretics are the main medications in the treatment of patients with AHF and signs of fluid overload and congestion. Intravenous vasodilators are the second most used agent in AHF. Their use was shown to be associated with lower mortality, and a delay in administration was associated with a higher mortality.Use of an inotropic medications (such as dopamine, dobutamine, milrinone, levosimendan, epinephrine, norepenephrine) should be reserved for patients with a severe reduction in cardiac output resulting in compromised vital organ perfusion, which occurs most often in hypotensive AHF. Conclusion: Acute heart failure is a life-threatening medical condition, which needs emergency management for death prevention.

Evaluation of Salt Intake, Urinary Sodium Excretion and Their Relationship to Overhydration in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

The purpose of this study was to estimate sodium intake in a group of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to correlate the results with the urinary excretion values of sodium and signs of fluid overload. We included patients with CKD in different stages. Urinary sodium was measured in 24 h urine samples. Body composition monitor (BCM) was used to estimate the hydration status. Sixty patients (38 ± 15 ml/min of GFR) presented 4.14 ± 1.71 g/24 h of urinary sodium excretion. Overhydration was detected in 50% of the patients by the BCM. There was a positive correlation between the measured sodium excretion values and BCM, ICW, ECW and TBW. In conclusion, markers of overhydration evaluated by BCM were positively correlated with urinary sodium excretion.

Neonatal cardiovascular emergencies after hospital discharge

Neonates with out-of-hospital cardiovascular emergencies get to Emergency Department or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a state of shock, which is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by an acute failure of the circulatory system with inadequate tissue and organ perfusion. It has been demonstrated that early recognition and time-sensitive aggressive resuscitation of neonatal shock significantly reduce mortality and improve outcomes [1]. The update algorithm for goal-directed treatment of neonatal shock emphasizes early use of therapies directed to restore threshold heart rates, normalize blood pressure and capillary refill ≤2 seconds and subsequent intensive hemodynamic support aimed to goals of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) >70% and cardiac index (CI) >3.3 L/min/m2[ 2]. Rapid attainment of a vascular access is pivotal for fluid resuscitation and inotrope therapy and an intraosseous needle must be early inserted especially in the case of cardiac arrest or decompensated shock [3]. Rapid crystalloid boluses of 10-20 ml/kg (over 5-10 minutes) up to 60 ml/kg in the first hour must be administered paying attention to signs of fluid overload because overaggressive therapy can be detrimental in case of cardiogenic shock. An echocardiographic analysis can help clinicians to assess the inferior vena cava diameter or collapsibility as an index of preload status [4] and to evaluate the ventricular size and contractility to identify a cardiogenic shock [5]. Prostaglandin infusion is recommended until a ductal-dependent lesion is ruled out by trained echocardiographists. Empiric antibiotics should be administered within one hour if a sepsis is suspected [6]. Neonates with fluid refractory shock need to start and titrate a peripheral inotropic support and progressively to be added vasopressors according to the hemodynamic state. Many methods are available for the hemodynamic monitoring after the first hour of stabilization of the neonate. A safer ultrasound-guided central venous access can easily be obtained [7] and ScvO2 be measured. The radial arterial pressure monitoring is recommended and the arterial waveform can be used to derive additional hemodynamic information. The monitoring of CI is feasible in neonates only by non-invasive methods such as doppler echocardiography or impedance cardiography [8]. Many aspects of the intensive hemodynamic support of neonatal shock resemble those of paediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) usually provided by anaesthesiologists. We believe that neonatologists need a specific PCCM training before dealing with critically ill neonates and for this purpose our team has devised some courses (Figure ​(Figure1)1) to meet these particular educational and procedural skill needs. Figure 1 Simulation-based training of an ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization. The figure illustrates the ultrasound-guided vessel puncture technique by using phantoms. The trainee visualizes the simulated vessel in transverse scans (short axis) and ...

What Is Causing Extremely Elevated Amino Terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Cancer Patients?

High levels of B-type natriuretic peptide in cancer patients are poorly studied. Previously published data suggest that they are not related to fluid overload and are encountered mostly in solid cancers. The authors investigated the distribution of amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) between hematologic and solid organ malignancies and the relationship of NT-proBNP with volume status in oncologic patients. A total of 145 consecutive patients with at least one occurrence of NT-proBNP exceeding the upper normal range 10-fold were identified. The authors retrospectively reviewed their records including clinical, laboratory, and radiological data and echocardiograms. More than 70% of patients had hematologic malignancies. Patients with NT-proBNP >50,000pg/mL had only hematologic malignancies, primarily multiple myeloma. There was no association between M-spike proteins and NT-proBNP. About 80% of patients had signs of fluid overload. The magnitude of NT-proBNP elevation was similar between those with and without heart failure or volume overload, as well as with solid cancers vs hematologic malignancies. Contrary to prior reports, it was found that very high NT-proBNP in cancer patients is usually encountered in the context of fluid overload and most often in hematologic malignancies.

Early Initiation of Peritoneal Dialysis after Arterial Switch Operations in Newborn Patients

Background and aim: We investigated the clinical outcome of early initiated peritoneal dialysis (PD) use in our newborn patients who underwent arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and had routine intraoperative PD catheter implantation. We determined the risk factors for PD, factors associated with prolonged PD, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of the present study was to describe our experience of using PD in this patient cohort. Materials and Methods: Eighty two patients who were diagnosed with TGA and TGA-ventricular septal defect (VSD) and who had undergone TGA correction operation in Başkent University, Istanbul Medical Research and Training Hospital between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively investigated. All the patients were under 30 days old. PD catheters were routinely implanted intraoperatively at the end of the operation. PD was initiated in transient renal insufficiency. In the absence of oliguria and increased creatinine level, PD was established in the presence of one of the following: clinical signs of fluid overload, hyperkalemia (>5 mEq/L), persistent metabolic acidosis, lactate level above 8 mmol/L or low cardiac output syndrome. The patients were divided into two groups according to the need for postoperative PD (PD group and non-PD group). PD was initiated in 32 (39%) patients after the operation, whereas 50 (61%) patients did not need dialysis. The clinical outcomes and perioperative data of the two groups were compared. Results: The demographics in the two groups were similar. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in the PD group [non-PD group, 175.24 ± 32.39 min; PD group, 196.22 ± 44.04 min (p < 0.05)]. Coronary anomaly was found to be higher in the PD group [non-PD group, n = 2 patients (4.0%); PD group, n = 7 patients (21.9%); p < 0.05]. There was more need for PD in TGA + VSD patients [simple TGA patients, n = 14; TGA + VSD patients, n = 18 (p < 0.05)]. PD rate was higher in patients whose sterna were left open at the end of the operation (p < 0.05). The ventilator time [non-PD group, 4.04 ± 1.51 days; PD group, 8.12 ± 5.21 days (p < 0.01)], intensive care unit stay time [non-PD group, 7.98 ± 5.80 days; PD group, 15.93 ± 18.31 days (p < 0.01)], and hospital stay time were significantly longer in the PD group [non-PD group, 14.98 ± 10.14 days; PD group, 22.84 ± 20.87 days (p < 0.01)]. Conclusion: We advocate routine implantation of PD catheters to patients with TGA-VSD, coronary artery anomaly, and open sternum in which we have determined high rate of postoperative PD need.

Efficacy and safety of loop diuretic therapy in acute decompensated heart failure: a clinical review

Intravenous loop diuretics are widely used to treat the symptoms and signs of fluid overload in acute heart failure (AHF). Although diuretic therapy is widely used and strongly recommended by most recent clinical guidelines, prospective studies and randomized clinical trials are lacking and so reliable evidence is missing about the best therapy in terms of doses and methods of administration. In addition, clinical efficacy and safety outcomes are often affected by the presence of contrasting evidence. The efficacy of loop diuretics is impaired by diuretic resistance characterized by a decreased diuretic and natriuretic effect. This review focuses on the current management of AHF with diuretic therapy. Continuous diuretic infusion seems to be a good choice, from a pharmacokinetic point of view, when fluid overload is refractory to conventional therapy. Some available evidence comparing bolus injection to continuous infusion of loop diuretics proved the latter to be an effective and safe method of administration. Continuous infusion seems to produce a constant plasmatic concentration of drug with a more uniform daily diuretic and natriuretic effect and a greater safety profile (fewer adverse events such as worsening renal failure, electrolyte imbalances, ototoxicity). The analyses of the published studies did not provide conclusive data about the effects on clinical outcomes (mortality, rate of hospital readmissions, length of hospital stay and adverse events). Furthermore, recent studies focus their attention on alternative strategies of fluid removal, such as vasopressin antagonists, adenosine antagonists and ultrafiltration but available data are often inconclusive.

Increase in BMI Over Time Is Associated With Fluid Overload and Signs of Wasting in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients may suffer changes in nutritional status after starting PD. Several markers can be used to evaluate these modifications, such as body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, and serum creatinine. Fluid overload should be considered because it can overestimate or underestimate nutritional status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the BMI changes over time in incident PD patients and identify interactions among BMI, signs of fluid overload, serum albumin, and serum creatinine. The study included a cohort of 1,997 incident PD patients of the BRAZPD recruited from 2004 to 2007. Sociodemographic data and BMI classification were obtained at baseline. The evolutions of BMI and body weight were assessed over a period of 29 months. Changes in the evolution were analyzed when a patient presented with albumin < 3.8 g/dL, creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL, or the presence of edema. Data analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects regression models as the main statistical procedure. BMI increased over time (29 months) by an average of 0.05 kg/m(2) per month, and body weight increased by 0.11 kg/month for a total increase of 3.08 kg. BMI decreased by 0.12 kg/m(2) in the presence of albumin < 3.8 g/dL and by 0.38 kg/m(2) in the presence of creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL. BMI increased by 0.61 kg/m(2) in the presence of edema. BMI increased in the presence of edema and albumin < 3.8 mg/dL or edema and creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL. There is a mean increase in the BMI of incident PD patients over time, and these changes may be, at least partly, due to fluid overload, leading to distortions of body weight. When the patients presented with lower serum albumin or creatinine levels, the BMI values were reduced, suggesting that a reduction in lean mass and an increase in fat mass may be occurring in these patients.

Fluid overload and fluid removal in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requiring continuous renal replacement therapy*

In pediatric patients, fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation is associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize the association between fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation, fluid removal during continuous renal replacement therapy, the kinetics of fluid removal and mortality in a large pediatric population receiving continuous renal replacement therapy while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Retrospective chart review. Tertiary children's hospital. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy from July 2006 to September 2010. None. Overall intensive care unit survival was 34% for 53 patients that were initiated on continuous renal replacement therapy while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the study period. Median fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation was significantly lower in survivors compared to nonsurvivors (24.5% vs. 38%, p = .006). Median fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy discontinuation was significantly lower in survivors compared to nonsurvivors (7.1% vs. 17.5%, p = .035). After adjusting for percent fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation, age, and severity of illness, the change in fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy discontinuation was not significantly associated with mortality (p = .212). Models investigating the rates of fluid removal in different periods, age, severity of illness, and fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation found that fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation was the most consistent predictor of survival. Our data demonstrate an association between fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation and mortality in pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The degree of fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy discontinuation is also associated with mortality, but appears to reflect the effect of fluid overload at initiation. Furthermore, correction of fluid overload to ≤ 10% was not associated with improved survival. These results suggest that intervening prior to the development of significant fluid overload may be more clinically effective than attempting fluid removal after significant fluid overload has developed. Our findings suggest a role for earlier initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy in this population, and warrant further clinical studies.

Impact of Chest X-Ray Before Discharge in Asymptomatic Children After Cardiac Surgery—Prospective Evaluation

In many paediatric cardiac units chest radiographs are performed routinely before discharge after cardiac surgery. These radiographs contribute to radiation exposure. To evaluate the diagnostic impact of routine chest X-rays before discharge in children undergoing open heart surgery and to analyze certain risk factors predicting pathologic findings. This was a prospective (6 months) single-centre observational clinical study. One hundred twenty-eight consecutive children undergoing heart surgery underwent biplane chest X-ray at a mean of 13 days after surgery. Pathologic findings on chest X-rays were defined as infiltrate, atelectasis, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or signs of fluid overload. One hundred nine asymptomatic children were included in the final analysis. Risk factors, such as age, corrective versus palliative surgery, reoperation, sternotomy versus lateral thoracotomy, and relevant pulmonary events during postoperative paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, were analysed. In only 5.5 % (6 of 109) of these asymptomatic patients were pathologic findings on routine chest X-ray before discharge found. In only three of these cases (50 %), subsequent noninvasive medical intervention (increasing diuretics) was needed. All six patients had relevant pulmonary events during their PICU stay. Risk factor analysis showed only pulmonary complications during PICU stay to be significantly associated (p = 0.005) with pathologic X-ray findings. Routine chest radiographs before discharge after cardiac surgery can be omitted in asymptomatic children with an uneventful and straightforward perioperative course. Chest radiographs before discharge are warrantable if pulmonary complications did occur during their PICU stay, as this is a risk factor for pathologic findings in chest X-rays before discharge.

Continuous infusion versus bolus injection of loop diuretics in acute heart failure: a literature review

Intravenous loop diuretics are increasingly used to treat symptoms and signs of fluid overload in acute heart failure, a clinical condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although diuretic therapy is widely used and strongly recommended by most recent clinical guidelines, prospective studies and randomized clinical trials are lacking and hence there is no reliable evidence regarding the best therapy in terms of doses, ways and methods of administration. With heart failure progression, the efficacy of loop diuretics is impaired by diuretic resistance characterized by a decreased diuretic and natriuretic effect of drugs. This review focuses on the current management of acute heart failure with diuretic therapy. Continuous diuretic infusion seems to be a good choice, from a pharmacokinetic point of view, when fluid overload is refractory to conventional therapy. Several available studies comparing bolus injection to continuous infusion of loop diuretics proved the latter to be an effective and safe method of administration. Continuous infusion seems to produce a constant plasma drug concentration with a more uniform daily diuretic and natriuretic effect and a greater safety profile (fewer adverse events such as worsening renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, ototoxicity). In addition, the analysis of available literature data did not provide conclusive evidence about the effects on clinical outcomes (mortality, rehospitalization rates, adverse events).

The effectiveness of group visits for patients with heart failure on knowledge, quality of life, self-care, and readmissions: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of group visits for patients with heart failure (HF) on knowledge, quality of life, self-care behaviors, and hospital readmissions. BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) continues to be a major health burden throughout the world. There are currently over 5.7 million Americans, 15 million Europeans, and 277,800 Australians living with HF. These numbers are expected to double by 2040. Patients and caregivers perform the majority of HF care in the home. Patients with HF need to learn to be successful in self-managing their condition to lessen the burden of symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and edema.Patient education is the primary process used to increase knowledge of self-care practices for patients with HF. Patients with HF need to follow a complex medical regimen while adhering to a low sodium diet and prescribed fluid restrictions. In addition patients monitor their physical condition daily for exacerbation of symptoms or signs of fluid overload. Education, behavior modification, and skill development are necessary for a patient with HF to be successful in self-managing their condition.Most HF education occurs during one-on-one visits between the patient and the health care provider in an examination room during a regular clinic visit. However, there is usually limited time to address all of the needed education topics in an in-depth, meaningful manner with information the patient can take home and utilize in their daily routines.Group visits provide an alternative venue to provide care for this complex patient population. A group visit is an interactive process between a health care provider and a small group of patients and their caregivers who usually share a common medical concern. The participants of group visits can benefit from the knowledge and experiences of the other participants while providing support and encouragement to each other as they learn to cope with living with a chronic condition.The process of the group visit was first developed in 1991 by Dr. John C. Scott at the Kaiser Permanente system in Colorado, United States. Dr. Scott and a nurse held monthly group visits lasting 60 minutes with a group of 15 to 20 patients to manage their complex medical conditions. The group visit model can vary across settings, including from 6-20 patients over a 1-2 hour period with varying times devoted to education and discussion of health concerns. The group visit typically incorporates a one-on-one physical examination with a physician or nurse practitioner in conjunction with a group discussion and medical management. Group visits have shown to be beneficial in improving patient outcomes for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illness.The goal of group visits for patients with HF is to increase patient knowledge and self-care abilities, while improving self-efficacy. Self-care incorporates the decision making process a patient undergoes when deciding on a course of action to maintain stability as a result of a change in symptoms. Improved self-care can improve symptoms, which will likely result in an increase in quality of life and a reduction in hospitalizations related to decompensation. Quality of life (QOL) refers to a patient's perception of the impact of a health condition and treatment on the patient's health status and can be measured with valid and reliable tools such as the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) or the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Self-care abilities can be measured using an instrument such as the Self-Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI). HF knowledge can be measured using an instrument such as the Atlanta Heart Failure Knowledge Test. Group visits can be used to continue to optimize medication therapy while providing a forum for knowledge acquisition and fostering support.A search of the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, the Joanna Briggs Library of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, and CINAHL did not identify any previously conducted systematic reviews on the effectiveness of group visits on outcomes for patients with heart failure. Therefore, this review seeks to identify studies evaluating the effectiveness of group visits for patients with heart failure on patient knowledge, quality of life, self-care behaviors, and hospital readmissions.

Use of Intravenous Diuretics in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure without Signs of Fluid Overload Induces Renal Insufficiency

Use of Intravenous Diuretics in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure without Signs of Fluid Overload Induces Renal Insufficiency

Thiazide and Loop Diuretics

KEY POINTS AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: • Although chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide are structurally similar, they are very different pharmacokinetically, with chlorthalidone having both an extremely long half-life (approximately 40 to 60 hours) and a large volume of distribution, with gradual elimination from the plasma compartment by tubular secretion. • Furosemide usage, the most widely used diuretic in the loop diuretic class, can be complicated by extremely erratic absorption, with a bioavailability range of 12% to 112%. • Chlorthalidone, at a dose of 25 mg, is comparatively more potent than 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, particularly as related to overnight blood pressure reduction. • In ALLHAT, there was no difference among chlorthalidone, amlodipine, lisinopril, and doxazosin for the primary outcome or mortality. • Secondary outcomes were similar except for a 38% higher rate of heart failure with amlodipine; a 10% higher rate of combined cardiovascular disease, a 15% higher rate of stroke, and a 19% higher rate of heart failure with lisinopril; and a 20% higher rate of cardiovascular disease, a 20% higher rate of stroke (40% higher rate in blacks), and an 80% higher rate of heart failure with doxazosin, compared with chlorthalidone. • The ACCOMPLISH study may affect future practice guidelines as a result of its findings favoring the amlodipine/benazepril combination; however, the generalizability to patient populations with a lesser cardiovascular risk profile remains in question and the dose of hydrochlorothiazide was only 12.5 mg to 25 mg daily, which was a dose lower than that used in placebo-controlled trials using hydrochlorothiazide. • Certain low-renin patient groups (eg, blacks, the elderly, and diabetics) as well as those who manifest the metabolic syndrome are commonly more responsive to thiazide-type diuretic therapy. • Diuretics can be successfully combined with β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, centrally acting agents, and even calcium channel blockers. • Although thiazide-type diuretics are among the best-tolerated antihypertensive agents in terms of symptomatic adverse effects, diuretic-related adverse side effects include those with established mechanisms (eg, such as electrolyte changes and/or metabolic abnormalities) and other side effects, which are less well understood mechanistically (eg, impotence), although the latter is not universally accepted as a diuretic-related side effect. • Thiazide-induced hypokalemia is associated with increased blood glucose, and treatment of thiazide-induced hypokalemia may reverse glucose intolerance and possibly prevent diabetes. • Thiazide-induced hyperuricemia occurs as a result of volume contraction and competition with uric acid for renal tubular secretion, but does not necessarily contraindicate using a thiazide, especially if a uric acid-lowering drug such as allopurinol is being used. • Adverse interactions include the blunting of thiazide effects by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the potential to increase fatigue, lethargy, and increase in glucose when combined with β-blockers. • Thiazide-type diuretics are useful first-line agents in the treatment of hypertension because they have been proven to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in systolic and diastolic forms of hypertension and do so at low cost. • Loop diuretics should not be used as first-line therapy in hypertension since there are no outcome data with them. They should be reserved for conditions of clinically significant fluid overload (eg, heart failure and significant fluid retention with vasodilator drugs, such as minoxidil) or with advanced renal failure and can be combined with thiazide-type diuretics.