The effect of intravenous diuretic therapy on hospitalization of people with heart failure: A novel therapeutic approach

Aim. This study was aimed to examine the effect of intravenous diuretic therapy hospitalization of people with heart failure patients.
Background. Heart failure is a progressive disease with a long term hospital admission; while having a standardized protocol can lead to a reduction in hospital costs and adverse effects of hospitalized days.
Method. This clinical trial (without control group) was conducted on 111 heart failure patients who received intravenous diuretic therapy (in 6 hours sessions) for at least one year in heart failure ward. This treatment was performed once a week in the first month, once in two weeks in the second to sixth month and once in month in the 7th to 12th month. During the treatment, patients were given training on nutrition, drug regimen and lifestyle modification. Outcomes included urine output, weight loss, hypokalemia, worsening of renal function, hospitalization and mortality rate.
Findings. The mean age of patients was 58.88±16.33. The minimum dose of prescribed diuretics was 20 mg and the maximum dose was 200 mg. Mean of urine output and weight loss were 1890±1101 ml and 3.04±5.91 kg, respectively. Transient worsening of renal function and hypokalemia occurred in 15 and 20 patients, respectively. During one year period, 31 patients (27.4%) need to be hospitalized.
Conclusion. Short courses of intravenous diuretic therapy in people with heart failure are a safe and effective method that may provide an alternative to hospitalization.