LAUSR

Chronic heart failure (HF) is characterized by repeated hospitalizations, severe symptoms, severe systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction, water retention and/or peripheral hypoperfusion [1]. Peritoneal ultrafiltration may be an option for patients with chronic HF and refractory volume overload [2–5]. Peritoneal ultrafiltration is based on the use of specific solutions for peritoneal dialysis, which are capable of inducing transperitoneal ultrafiltration, thus removing water and sodium and achieving effective relief of refractory congestion. However, previous studies were limited, not having investigated the amount of water and sodium removal comparing different peritoneal solutions (icodextrin and hypertonic solution). Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of peritoneal ultrafiltration on ventricular remodeling, re-hospitalizations, and quality of life, in patients with chronic HF without endstage renal disease. We also wanted to evaluate the amount of water and sodium removal through peritoneal ultrafiltration, an important aspect for better control of volumes, not investigated in previous studies. Methods