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Ultrafiltration in decompensated heart failure

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Abstract

Fluid congestion is the hallmark of decompensated heart failure. As heart failure progresses, reduced response to diuretics is common. In these patients, ultrafiltration has been found to alleviate excess volume and improve diuretic sensitivity. Compared with diuretics, ultrafiltration provides a more predictable and safer way to achieve euvolemia with minimal electrolyte abnormalities and neurohormonal activation. The emerging familiarity and ease of use of ultrafiltration suggests that in the future this will be an important therapy for the treatment of acute and chronic volume overload associated with decompensated heart failure.

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  1. San Diego Cardiac Center, Sharp Memorial Hospital, 3131 Berger Avenue, 92123, San Diego, CA, USA

    Brian E. Jaski MD

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  1. Brian E. Jaski MD
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  2. David Miller BS
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Jaski, B.E., Miller, D. Ultrafiltration in decompensated heart failure. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2, 148–154 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-005-0023-1

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