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Appropriate interpretation of changes in markers of kidney function is essential during the treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. Historically, kidney function was primarily assessed by serum creatinine and the calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate. An increase in serum creatinine, also termed worsening renal function, commonly occurs in patients with heart failure, especially during acute heart failure episodes. Even though worsening renal function is associated with worse outcome on a population level, the interpretation of such changes within the appropriate clinical context helps to correctly assess risk and determine further treatment strategies. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly recognized that assessment of kidney function is more than just glomerular filtration rate alone. As such, a better evaluation of sodium and water handling by the renal tubules allows to determine the efficiency of loop diuretics (loop diuretic response and efficiency). Also, though neurohumoral blockers may induce modest deteriorations in glomerular filtration rate, their use is associated with improved long‐term outcome. Therefore, a better understanding of the role of cardio–renal interactions in heart failure in symptom development, disease progression and prognosis is essential. Indeed, perhaps even misinterpretation of kidney function is a leading cause of not attaining decongestion in acute heart failure and insufficient dosing of guideline‐directed medical therapy in general. This position paper of the Heart Failure Association Working Group on Cardio‐Renal Dysfunction aims at improving insights into the interpretation of renal function assessment in the different heart failure states, with the goal of improving heart failure care.
Organ injury and impairment are commonly observed in patients with acute heart
failure (AHF), and congestion is an essential pathophysiological mechanism of impaired
organ function. Congestion is the predominant clinical profile in most patients with AHF;
a smaller proportion presents with peripheral hypoperfusion or cardiogenic shock.
Hypoperfusion further deteriorates organ function. The injury and dysfunction of target
organs (i.e. heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, intestine, brain) in the setting of AHF are
associated with increased risk for mortality. Improvement in organ function after
decongestive therapies has been associated with a lower risk for post-discharge mortality.
Thus, the prevention and correction of organ dysfunction represent a therapeutic target of
interest in AHF and should be evaluated in clinical trials. Treatment strategies that
specifically prevent, reduce or reverse organ dysfunction remain to be identified and
evaluated to determine if such interventions impact mortality, morbidity and
patient-centred outcomes. This paper reflects current understanding among experts of the
presentation and management of organ impairment in AHF and suggests priorities for future
research to advance the field.
Elevated IAP is prevalent in patients with ADHF and is associated with impaired renal function. In the setting of intensive medical therapy for ADHF, changes in IAP were better correlated with changes in renal function than any hemodynamic variable.
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