Early administration of tolvaptan preserves renal function in elderly patients with acute decompensated heart failure

J Cardiol. 2016 May;67(5):399-405. doi: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2015.09.020. Epub 2015 Dec 11.

Abstract

Background: Loop diuretics used in the treatment of heart failure often induce renal impairment. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the renal protective effect of adding tolvaptan (TLV), compared to increasing the furosemide (FRM) dose, for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in a real-world elderly patient population.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 52 consecutive hospitalized patients (age 83.4±9.6 years) with ADHF. The patients were assigned alternately to either the TLV group (TLV plus conventional treatment, n=26) or the FRM group (increasing the dose of FRM, n=26). TLV was administered within 24h from admission.

Results: The incidence of worsening renal function (WRF) within 7 days from admission was significantly lower in the TLV group (26.9% vs. 57.7%, p=0.025). Furthermore, the rates of occurrence of persistent and late-onset (≥5 days from admission) WRF were significantly lower in the TLV group. Persistent and late-onset WRF were significantly associated with a higher incidence of cardiac death or readmission for worsening heart failure in the 90 days following discharge, compared to transient and early-onset WRF, respectively.

Conclusions: Early administration of TLV, compared to increased FRM dosage, reduces the incidence of WRF in real-world elderly ADHF patients. In addition, it reduces the occurrence of 'worse' WRF-persistent and late-onset WRF-which are associated with increased rates of cardiac death or readmission for worsening heart failure in the 90 days after discharge.

Keywords: Acute decompensated heart failure; Elderly; Furosemide; Tolvaptan; Worsening renal function.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Benzazepines / therapeutic use*
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Furosemide / therapeutic use*
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Renal Insufficiency / etiology
  • Renal Insufficiency / prevention & control*
  • Tolvaptan

Substances

  • Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists
  • Benzazepines
  • Diuretics
  • Tolvaptan
  • Furosemide