Treatment of Cardiorenal Syndrome

The treatment of cardiorenal syndrome is as complex as the various mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology. Randomized controlled data typically focus on the treatment of heart failure with cardiac specific endpoints and a lack of worsening renal function used as a surrogate for efficacy. When heart failure is considered the inciting event, the acute state is managed with vasodilators, inotropic support, and decongestion; whereas neurohormonal axis inhibition is more commonly applied to chronic state. A recent shift in thought process regarding the interplay of cardiac and renal dysfunction suggests that renal congestion may be the primary driver of worsening renal function.