Predictors of Poor Very Early Diuretic Response and Effectiveness of Early Tolvaptan in Symptomatic Acute Heart Failure

Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2023 Mar;23(2):185-196. doi: 10.1007/s40256-023-00571-y. Epub 2023 Feb 4.

Abstract

Background: Diuretic response (DR) in patients with symptomatic acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has an impact on prognosis. This study aimed to identify predictive factors influencing acute 6 h poor DR and to assess DR after early administration of tolvaptan (TLV).

Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 1670 patients who were admitted for ADHF and received intravenous furosemide within 1 h of presentation in clinical scenario 1 or 2 defined based on initial systolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg with severe symptoms (New York Heart Association class III or IV (n = 830). The score for the poor DR factors in the very acute phase was calculated in patients treated with furosemide-only diuretics (n = 439). The DR to TLV administration was also assessed in patients who received an additional dose of TLV within 6 h (n = 391).

Results: The time since discharge from the hospital for a previous heart failure < 3 months (odds ratio [OR] 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-5.83; p = 0.006), loop diuretics at admission (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.74-5.36; p < 0.0001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.58-5.74; p = 0.0007) were independent determinants of poor DR. The frequency of poor DR according to the risk stratification group was low risk (no risk factor), 18.9%; middle risk (one risk factor), 33.1%; and high risk (two to three risk factors), 58.0% (p < 0.0001). All risk groups demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of poor DR with early TLV administration: 10.7% in the early TLV group versus 18.9% in the loop diuretics group (p = 0.09) of the low-risk group; 18.4% versus 33.1% (p = 0.01) in the middle-risk group, and 20.2% versus 58.0% (p < 0.0001) in the high-risk group.

Conclusion: Early administration of TLV in patients with predicted poor DR contributed to a significant diuretic effect and suppression of worsening renal function.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Diuretics* / therapeutic use
  • Furosemide
  • Heart Failure* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Tolvaptan / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Tolvaptan
  • Diuretics
  • Furosemide
  • Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors