Peritoneal dialysis for refractory heart failure: A single-center experience

Heart failure (HF) is a disease associated with poor quality of life. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be an alternative in the treatment of these patients to overcome fluid overload. The objective of this study is to observe the effects of PD in refractory HF patients.

We conducted an observational study including 10 patients with refractory congestive HF. PD started solely for fluid overload. Patients' baseline parameters were compared with follow-up parameters.

Median age was 57.5 (44.8-64.3) years. Median left ventricular ejection fraction was 20% (18.8-31.3), and all patients had right ventricular dysfunction. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 51.2 (43.8-101.3) ml/min/1.73 m² . Two patients (20%) died during the follow-up period. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class decreased significantly from a median of 4 to 2,1 and 1 in the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months, respectively (p ≤ 0.01 for all from baseline). Number and length of hospitalization decreased significantly after treatment (number from a median of 3 to 0, p = 0.013; days from 50.5 to 0, p = 0.028).

PD significantly reduced NYHA functional class, number and days of hospitalization for HF. It could be a reasonable option in chronic treatment of patients with refractory HF.