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Ultrafiltration enhances volume removal and weight reduction vs diuretics. However, their differential impact on total body sodium, potassium, and magnesium has not been described. Fifteen patients with congestion despite diuretic therapy had urine electrolytes measured after a diuretic dose. Ultrafiltration was initiated and ultrafiltrate electrolytes were measured. The urine sodium after diuretics (60+/-47 mmol/L) was less than in the ultrafiltrate (134+/-8.0 mmol/L) (P=.000025). The urine potassium level after diuretics (41+/-23 mmol/L) was greater than in the ultrafiltrate (3.7+/-0.6 mmol/L) (P=.000017). The urine magnesium level after diuretics (5.2+/-3.1 mg/dL) was greater than in the ultrafiltrate (2.9+/-0.7 mg/dL) (P=.017). In acute decompensated heart failure patients with congestion despite diuretic therapy, diuretics are poor natriuretics and cause significant potassium and magnesium loss. Ultrafiltration extracts more sodium while sparing potassium and magnesium. The sustained clinical benefits of ultrafiltration compared with diuretics may be partly related to their disparate effects on total body sodium, potassium, and magnesium, in addition to their differential efficacy of volume removal.

Acute decompensated heart failure is the most common reason for inpatient hospital admission. Most patients admitted for decompensated heart failure are by definition diuretic‐resistant. The therapeutic objective for these patients is volume and sodium removal and restoration of diuretic sensitivity. In a significant proportion of patients, this objective is not met, subjecting patients to readmission for recurrent heart failure decompensation. Ultrafiltration therapy offers the potential of greater volume and sodium removal as compared with conventional therapies in a more expeditious manner. Ultrafiltration can be safely and effectively accomplished in a non‐intensive care setting but relies on earlier discharge with reduced readmission rates to be economically feasible. This paper reviews the current data regarding ultrafiltration therapy and provides a practical guide to patient selection, implementation and management of this therapy.

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Percutaneous coronary revascularization involving a predilation strategy with a low profile, 1.25-mm angioplasty catheter is associated with favorable procedural safety and efficacy and may represent an effective initial treatment for complex coronary anatomy.