Variations in blood viscosity in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema treated with frusemide

In 10 patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, treatment with large doses of intravenous frusemide (mean dose 156 mg) induced no signs of haemoconcentration. On the contrary, during an observation period of 2 h after start of treatment we registered a significant reduction of mean blood viscosity and mean haematocrit, indicating haemodilution. All the patients also received a basic treatment of intravenous pethidine and nasal oxygen and the conclusion is therefore that large doses of intravenous frusemide in treatment of acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema can be given without risk of haemoconcentration when combined with intravenous pethidine and nasal oxygen.