American journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions
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Am J Cardiovasc Drugs · Oct 2013
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyUltrafiltration versus intravenous diuretic therapy to treat acute heart failure: a systematic review.
Patients with decompensated heart failure frequently present with volume overload, which is conventionally treated with diuretics. These drugs have been associated with several adverse effects, including increased mortality, leading some clinicians to propose ultrafiltration as a safe alternative to remove sodium and water. ⋯ The available evidence suggests that early ultrafiltration is safe and effective for patients with hypervolemic acute heart failure. It allows greater fluid removal and weight loss by 48 h than do intravenous diuretics, with no significant increase in adverse effects.