Novelty of continuous intravenous infusion of bumetanide in severe congestive heart failure associated with renal failure

This study describes efficacy of continuous infusion of bumetanide in severe congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with severe renal failure. Renal failure progresses as CHF advances. Renin-angiotensin inhibitor drugs consisting of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker are main stay of therapy in CHF. These drugs aggravate renal failure, decrease urine output, make patients fluid overloaded and more short of breath, warranting repeated hospitalization for relief of shortness of breath. Diuretic therapy in the form of bolus help but continuous infusion of diuretic therapy in the form of furosemide or bumetanide for 72-96 hours produce massive diuresis even in the presence of renal failure and produce symptomatic relief of shortness of breath and even improvement of renal function. A patient is illustrated here to that effect. Continuous bumetanide infusion affords symptomatic relief and active rehabilitation not provided by any other therapy after end of infusion therapy.