Role of High-Dose Intravenous Frusemide Therapy in the Management of Chronic Renal Failure

Abstract

The results of using high doses of intravenous frusemide in the management of 28 patients suffering from chronic renal failure are presented. The results are compared with those obtained from 14 patients also suffering from chronic renal failure, who received identical ‘conservative management’ but were not treated with diuretics. Large doses of intravenous frusemide produced a satisfactory diuretic response in a higher percentage of treated patients (71%) compared with controls (36%). It was also observed that in the treated group of patients a significant diuretic response could be obtained in patients with a creatinine clearance below 4 ml per minute. The study also demonstrated that in the group of patients receiving frusemide the response was better in those who were given a progressive-dose regime; 88% of patients improved with this regime compared with 68% of patients who were treated with a fixed dose of frusemide. Transient deafness with tinnitus and vertigo were the only side-effects observed. However these effects were only seen in patients who received 1000 mg or more frusemide in one day, administered over a period of one to two hours. It is concluded that all patients suffering from chronic renal failure should be given a trial of large doses of intravenous frusemide therapy, along with other conventional measures, particularly where facilities for dialysis are not immediately available.