Ultrafiltration for the treatment of diuretic-resistant, recurrent, acute decompensated heart failure: experience in a single center

42 patients with diuretic-resistant, decompensated, congestive heart failure and LVEF <40%, hospitalized for acute decompensation. Mean age 69 years, 67% men. Exclusions: contraindications to anticoagulants, hematocrit >50%, GFR <30 ml/min, and cardiogenic shock.

Ultrafiltration using a venous femoral bilumen catheter and heparin anticoagulation (1 to 4 treatments per patient, mean duration 6 h).

Historical self-control (6 months prior to ultrafiltration) for hospitalization and diuretic dose.

Fluid removal, complications, 6-month mortality, hospitalization rate at 6 months, and average furosemide dose at 6 months.hard clinical