Fluid therapy in non-septic, refractory acute decompensated heart failure patients – The cautious role of central venous pressure

Purpose Fluid therapy in congestive acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients might be inappropriate and worsening the prognosis. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of fluid administration on mortality in non-septic, ADHF patients with reduced ejection fraction. Material and methods We analyzed 41 ADHF consecutive ‘cold-wet’ patients (mean age 69.3 ± 14.9 years, 27 men, LVEF 22.8 ± 11.1%, lactates 2.2 ± 1.6 mmol/L) without sepsis. At admission central venous pressure (CVP) was measured (17.6 ± 7.2 cm H2O), and ultrasound examination of inferior vena cava (IVC) was performed (IVC min. 18.6 ± 7.3 mm and IVC max. 24.6 ± 4.3 mm). Moreover, the groups were compared (survivors…