Abstract

DIAZ, Susana del Prado et al. Subcutaneous furosemide infusion as palliative treatment in refractory end-stage heart failure. Rev. Colomb. Cardiol. [online]. 2020, vol.27, n.1, pp.44-48. ISSN 0120-5633.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rccar.2019.09.014.

In end-stage heart failure the predominant symptoms are usually associated with congestion. However, the resistance to oral diuretics is common and requires parenteral treatment to alleviate the symptoms. The intravenous administration of furosemide requires hospital admission or hospital care. This leads to a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients in advance stages of the disease.

The continuous subcutaneous infusion of furosemide using an elastomeric pump is an effective technique, with a low rate of serious complications that allows a parenteral diuretic to be administered in the home environment and thus avoiding the need for hospital admission. Despite this mode of treatment not being indicated in the drug data sheet, and requires more studies that specify its indication, it may be a suitable recourse for selected patients.

It is presented a case of a patient with advanced heart failure, congestive symptoms, and a lack of response to oral diuretics treatment, and then treated with a continuous and prolonged subcutaneous infusion of furosemide at home using an elastomeric infusion pump.

Keywords : Palliative care; Heart failure; Diuretics; Subcutaneous infusion; Furosemide.

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