Administration of Subcutaneous Furosemide in Elastomeric Pump vs. Oral Solution for the Treatment of Diuretic Refractory Congestion

Introduction The most common symptom in heart failure (HF) is congestion, which can be refractory to diuretic treatment. Aim To verify whether, in patients with advanced HF and diuretic resistance, subcutaneous furosemide or furosemide in an oral solution can improve the clinical-analytical status. Methods From 2018 to 2020, 27 consecutive outpatients with diuretic resistance, not candidates for other alternatives, were recruited. Patients were treated either with subcutaneous furosemide in elastomeric pump (n: 10) or with oral solution (n: 17) for 5 days. Results The functional status (NYHA) improved with subcutaneous administration (predose: 3.8 +/- 0.5 vs. postdose: 3.1 +/- 0.7; p: 0.02) and oral solution (predose: 3.7 +/- 0.3 vs. postdose: 2.5 +/- 0.7; p: 0.0001). Weight loss was greater with the oral solution (predose: 85.5 +/- 19.5 vs. postdose: 81.3 +/- 18.8Kg; p: 0.0001) than subcutaneous (predose: 81.6 +/- 15.9 vs. postdose: 80.4 +/- 15.1kg; p: 0.16). Creatinine showed a non-significant increase in both groups. The number of hospital visits showed no difference between both options. Conclusions The administration of furosemide, both subcutaneously by elastomeric pump or drinking the oral solution, is effective for the treatment of congestion in advanced HF refractory to diuretic treatment.

Automated summary

In patients with advanced heart failure and diuretic resistance, subcutaneous furosemide or furosemide in an oral solution can improve clinical-analytical status, leading to weight loss and improved functional status. Both methods of furosemide administration are effective for treating congestion in advanced heart failure refractory to diuretic treatment.