Diuretics Drug Reactions

The purpose of this study is to examine the hypothesize that 4 weeks of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) inhibition (oral clonidine) will cause a significant reduction in circulating blood concentrations and endothelial cell expression of inflammatory markers (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6). Our study is a prospective study using a randomized, double-blinded design to test 4 weeks of SNA blockade (oral clonidine) compared with a BP-lowering control condition (diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide) or a placebo.

Patients hospitalized for acute decompensation of CHF are usually complicated by worsening renal function (WRF) which leads to diuretic resistance and inadequate decongestion as well as poor prognosis. WRF has been attributed to a reflex renal vasoconstriction elicited by intravascular volume depletion during brisk diuresis. The investigators hypothesize that CHF patients with hepatic dysfunction are more prone to WRF due to poor albumin production. This sub-group of CHF patients may benefit more (increased diuretic efficacy and protected against worsening renal function) by the use of IV loop diuretics in combination with an intravascular volume expander such as IV Human Albumin.