Protocol-guided diuretic management: comparison of furosemide by continuous infusion and intermittent bolus.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and relative effectiveness of two diuretic protocols in the intensive care unit (ICU).


METHODS
Prospective, randomized comparative study.


METHODS
Thirty-three cardiac and medical ICU patients with pulmonary edema or fluid overload for which aggressive diuresis was intended.


METHODS
Enrolled patients were randomized to fluid management strategies combining fluid restriction and individually adjusted diuretic therapy by either continuous or bolus infusions of furosemide, titrated to achieve negative hourly fluid balance.


RESULTS
Cumulative intake minus output (primary endpoint); change in serum creatinine, and length of ICU and hospital stay (secondary endpoints). Diuresis by either protocol was feasible, safe, and effective. The main outcome measures were not significantly different for either group managed with a standardized protocol.


CONCLUSIONS
Protocol-guided diuretic management, with individualized titration of dosage to defined physiologic endpoints can be readily and safely implemented in the ICU. Both continuous and bolus diuretic regimens appear equally effective in achieving negative fluid balance. Larger studies with a randomized control arm are needed before these protocols can be recommended as routine practice.
Schuller
D
D
John Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Lynch
J P
JP
Fine
D
D
D018806:APACHE; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000379:methods; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide