Continuation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Acute Heart Failure

The aim of this study was to show whether blocking the deleterious effects of neurohormonal activation from furosemide by the use of ACEI/ARBs, or the improvement of renal perfusion by using these drugs allows better diuresis and renal function preservation.

This is a prospective, randomized study in which patients with chronic heart failure were included. Patients admitted for ACEI/ARBs maintenance with acute decompensated HF were added in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 had ACEI/ARBs continued during admission and group 2 had stopped taking them. Patients with acute heart failure were provided with angiotensin II receptor blockers. Therefore, the present study aims to differentiate between the uses of ACEI/ARBs blocking the deleterious effects of neurohormonal activation or the improvement of renal perfusion by holding these drugs to allow better diuresis and renal function preservation in a young population.

The results showed that the mean age of 32 patients of group 1 was 58±15.3 and for group 2 56±15.6. On day of analysis, BP was 113/65±11.9/6.5 and 108/66.9±14.1/9.8, weight was 68.4±19.8 kg and 73.7±20.2 kg, net volume balance of urine output was 2810.3±1011.8 mL and 3941.7±2849.7 mL, and length of stay was 11.75±6 and 7.9±3.7 days for groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no significant difference in SBP (p=0.2926), DBP (p=0.7369), weight (p=0.4798), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p=0.7), and volume balance (p=0.166). However, there was statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay (p=0.0392).

The study concluded that continuing ACEI/ARBs or holding them during IV diuresis had no difference in the effect on kidney function or diuresis. Length of stay appears to be shorter for those who held their ACEI/ARBs.