A Preliminary Case-Control Study: Peritoneal Approach in Congestive Heart Failure Treatment.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Congestive heart failure (CHF) with worsening renal function is common.
• Treatment aims to reduce venous congestion and manage extracellular volume.
• NYHA class III-IV CHF patients pose significant management challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare regular peritoneal ultrafiltration with standard conservative treatment for NYHA III-IV CHF patients.
• To evaluate major event-free survival as a primary endpoint.
• To assess total medical care days (hospitalizations and outpatient visits) per month.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study including 24 patients.
• Group A: 12 patients treated with peritoneal ultrafiltration.
• Group B: 12 matched patients receiving standard care.
• Follow-up duration up to 18 months.

Main Results:

• Major events occurred in 33.3% of the peritoneal group vs. 66.7% in the standard group.
• Peritoneal ultrafiltration significantly reduced monthly visits (1.2 vs. 2.5) and medical care days (2.0 vs. 4.4).
• Event-free survival was significantly better in the peritoneal ultrafiltration group; no peritonitis observed.

Conclusions:

• Peritoneal ultrafiltration is an effective therapeutic tool for selected CHF patients.
• The technique demonstrates significant clinical impact.
• Potential economic and social benefits are suggested.