There is high prevalence of CKD, defined by reduced GFR, in patients with heart failure. Reduced kidney function is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in this patient population. The cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) involves a bidirectional relationship between the heart and kidneys whereby dysfunction in either may exacerbate the function of the other, but this syndrome has been difficult to precisely define because it has many complex physiologic, biochemical, and hormonal abnormalities. The pathophysiology of CRS is not completely understood, but potential mechanisms include reduced kidney perfusion due to decreased forward flow, increased right ventricular and venous pressure, and neurohormonal adaptations. Treatment options include inotropic medications; diuretics; ultrafiltration; and medications, such as b-blockers, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system, and more novel treatments that focus on unique aspects of the pathophysiology. Recent observational studies suggest that treatments that result in a decrease in venous pressure and lead to hemoconcentration may be associated with improved outcomes. Patients with CRS that is not responsive to medical interventions should be considered for ventricular assist devices, heart transplantation, or combined heart and kidney transplantation.Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 9: 1790-1798, 2014. doi: 10.2215/CJN.11601113
Case PresentationOur patient is a 56-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy who has had several admissions for worsening shortness of breath, lower-extremity edema, and increased abdominal girth. He was readmitted with the same symptoms. His medical history is significant for coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass surgery performed 9 years before admission, mitral and tricuspid valve repair, atrial fibrillation with failed cardioversion, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia with an implantable cardiac defibrillator, pulmonary hypertension, severe hyperlipidemia treated with lipid apheresis using an arteriovenous fistula, and CKD with a baseline creatinine level of 1.5-2 mg/dl.Outpatient oral medications included furosemide, 60 mg in the morning and 40 mg in the evening; carvedilol, 12.5 mg twice daily; hydrochlorothiazide, 25 mg daily; digoxin, 0.125 mg daily; aspirin, 81 mg daily; mexiletine, 150 mg three times daily; and warfarin, 3 mg daily. He had intolerance to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and statins.Pertinent physical examination findings included BP, 130/74 mmHg; heart rate, 84 beats/min; respiratory rate, 18 breaths/min; and weight, 88.7 kg (increased .10 kg during the last few months). Jugular venous pressure was elevated to the angle of the jaw with the patient at 45 degrees. Heart rate was irregular, with a II/VI systolic murmur loudest at the left sternal border. There were bibasilar crackles, tense ascites, and 21 pitting edema bilaterally up to the knees. He had an arteriovenous fistula in his left arm.Laboratory results were as follows: sodium, 131 mEq/L; potassium, 3.8 mEq/L; chlori...