title: The therapeutic potential of vasopressin receptor antagonists in congestive heart failure.
abstract: Hospitalisation of patients presenting with deteriorating congestive heart failure is occurring with increasing frequency and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diuretic use, the mainstay therapy for congestion, is associated with electrolyte abnormalities and deteriorating renal function. In a recent randomised study, tolvaptan, a novel vasopressin antagonist, in addition to standard therapy including diuretics, increased net fluid loss resulting in decreased body weight more effectively than standard therapy alone in patients hospitalised for heart failure. This desirable effect was achieved without adversely affecting blood pressure, heart rate, electrolyte levels, or renal function. Although tolvaptan did not reduce the rate of deteriorating heart failure after discharge, post hoc analysis suggested that mortality might be reduced in high-risk patients treated with tolvaptan. These results make an important contribution to heart failure research, and offer an insight into the future role of vasopressin antagonism in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. amaramin@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Amar M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Salam
mesh_terms: D065092:Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin / Q000097:blood; D000077602:Tolvaptan
chemical_list: D065092:Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists; D001552:Benzazepines; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin; D000077602:Tolvaptan