Acute decompensated heart failure: the cardiorenal syndrome.
The cardiorenal syndrome is not well understood, and a uniform definition is lacking. Worsening renal function as determined by a decline in creatinine clearance in patients with decompensated heart failure is an identifier of patients with this syndrome. Treatment is a challenge. Diuretic therapy is valuable in treating congestion but may worsen renal function. Patients with decompensated heart failure are often refractory to diuretics, in which case higher doses must be used or alternate methods explored to reduce salt and water.
Francis
Gary
G
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. francig@ccf.org
D000208:Acute Disease; D018450:Disease Progression; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005665:Furosemide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome
D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide