An evaluation of ultrafiltration as treatment of therapy-resistant cardiac edema.

Abstract

In six patients with therapy-resistant cardiac edema, ultrafiltration on two consecutive days removed on an average 7750 ml fluid and reduced body weight by 7.3 kg. A difference between the mean ultrafiltration rate (17.4 ml/min) and the calculated plasma refilling rate (12.7 ml/min) led to a reduction in plasma volume during treatment together with an increase in plasma colloid osmotic pressure. Systemic blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output were unchanged during ultrafiltration while systemic vascular resistance increased and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and right atrial pressure decreased significantly. No complications were recorded during or after treatment. Ultrafiltration is a safe method of fluid removal in patients with therapy-resistant cardiac edema and can be used as preparation for cardiac catheterization or surgery.