Case report Use of intermittent ultrafiltration in decompensated, diuretic-resistant heart failure – six case reports

Abstract

Veno/venous ultrafiltration is a novel alternative method of treatment in patients with decompensated heart failure with fluid retention. Intermittent ultrafiltration treatment was used in 6 patients (mean age of 58±2 years) with decompensated heart failure and volume overload occurring despite optimal pharmacological treatment. Patients received 3.5±1 ultrafiltration treatments, with each treatment removing 2500±200 ml of fluid. There were no significant procedure-related complications. One patient died due to progression of heart failure whereas 5 patients were successfully discharged from hospital on oral furosemide.