Continuous infusion of furosemide in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure and diuretic resistance

10 patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA classes III and IV) with >5 kg of edema and diuretic resistance (defined as failure to lose weight and/or inappropriate urinary sodium excretion despite bed rest, salt/water restriction, furosemide 250 mg/day, digoxin, and ACE inhibitor).

Continuous intravenous infusion of furosemide starting at a delivery rate of 20 mg/h over 24 h, gradually increased up to a maximum dose of 160 mg/h.

Daily physical examination, history of side-effects, determination of serum electrolytes and 24-h electrolyte excretion during treatment.surrogate