Clinical trial NCT00608491
Conditions: Heart Failure
Keywords: Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Cardiorenal Syndrome Cardiorenal Syndrome Persistent Congestion Ultra Filtration
Sponsor: Duke University
Start date: 2008-03-01; Completion date: 2012-06-01
Enrollment: 188 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
Heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood through the body is impaired, often making a person feel weak or fatigued. When a person's condition worsens to the point of hospitalization, that person is said to have acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Abnormal kidney function in association with cardiac distress, known as cardiorenal syndrome, is a common complication of heart failure and causes further medical problems and need for hospitalization. While there are various effective treatments for heart failure, more research is needed to determine the best treatment for targeting both ADHF and cardiorenal syndrome. This study will compare the safety and effectiveness of ultrafiltration versus standard medical drug therapy in improving renal function and relieving fluid buildup in people hospitalized with ADHF and cardiorenal syndrome.

Detailed description:
Heart failure is a common condition that affects approximately 5 million people in the United States, with 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Common symptoms of heart failure include swelling and fluid buildup in the legs, feet, and/or lungs; shortness of breath; coughing; elevated heart rate; change in appetite; and fatigue. If left untreated, the condition of the heart may deteriorate so far that the person undergoes ADHF. The number of hospitalizations attributed to ADHF has risen significantly, with many people readmitted soon after discharge because of recurring symptoms or further medical complications, such as cardiorenal syndrome. Current heart failure treatments focus on removing excess fluid buildup, often by increasing urination with diuretic medications or by draining directly from the veins. Direct drainage from the veins, also known as ultrafiltration, may be the more effective method for treating people with ADHF and cardiorenal syndrome. This study will compare the safety and effectiveness of ultrafiltration versus standard medical drug therapy in improving renal function and relieving fluid buildup in people hospitalized with ADHF and cardiorenal syndrome.

Participation in this study will last 60 days. All potential participants will undergo initial screening, which will include a medical history, physical exam, blood draws, measurements of fluid intake and urine output, and questionnaires. These same evaluations and procedures will be repeated at various points during the hospital stay. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive standard medical drug therapy or fluid removal by ultrafiltration. Standard medical drug therapy will involve the intravenous delivery of diuretics and possibly other doctor-recommended medications. Ultrafiltration will involve intravenously removing blood, passing it through an ultrafiltration device, and then returning the blood to the participant. During ultrafiltration, participants will be treated with a blood thinner through the IV, as well.

Follow-up assessments will occur at Days 30 and 60 after treatment. Follow-up assessments will include measurements of fluid intake, urine output, and vital signs; blood draws; physical exams; and questions about medications and status of recovery.

Arms: arm 1: Stepped care will provide treating physicians with guidelines for the intensification of diuretic therapy and the possible use of vasodilators and inotropes. arm 2: All loop diuretics will be discontinued. Treatment will involve slow continuous ultrafiltration until an optimal volume status has been achieved. Ultrafiltration therapy will be initiated after the placement of appropriate intravenous access and will continue until the participant's signs and symptoms of congestion have been optimized. Fluid status will be managed exclusively by ultrafiltration using the Aquadex system 100 (CHF Solutions, Inc.) according to the manufacturer's specifications. The use of vasodilators or inotropic agents will be prohibited unless deemed necessary for rescue therapy.
Interventions: intervention 1: Stepped pharmacologic care intervention 2: Ultrafiltration
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Stepped care will provide treating physicians with guidelines for the intensification of diuretic therapy and the possible use of vasodilators and inotropes. intervention 2: All loop diuretics will be discontinued. Treatment will involve slow continuous ultrafiltration until an optimal volume status has been achieved. Ultrafiltration therapy will be initiated after the placement of appropriate intravenous access and will continue until the participant's signs and symptoms of congestion have been optimized. Fluid status will be managed exclusively by ultrafiltration using the Aquadex system 100 (CHF Solutions, Inc.) according to the manufacturer's specifications. The use of vasodilators or inotropic agents will be prohibited unless deemed necessary for rescue therapy.

Protocol documents: