Treatment of Diuretic‐Resistant Fluid Retention with Ultrafiltration

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Abstract
Nine patients with diuretic-resistant edema, secondary to congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome, were treated with ultrafiltration using high water flux dialyzers. Access to the blood stream was obtained by femoral vein catheterization. As much as 8.3 kg of fluid were removed in 3-4 h with only transient decline in blood pressure. The procedure was well tolerated and yielded immediate symptomatic relief. The potential for restoration of an edema-free state in patients with diuretic-resistant edema suggests that further experience with this technique is justified.