Salt repletion and diuretic response: The role of serum chloride. A post-hoc analysis of the SALT-HF trial on furosemide and hypertonic saline solution administration in ambulatory patients with worsening heart failure

Abstract

The efficacy of combining hypertonic saline solution (HSS) with loop diuretics in worsening heart failure (WHF) remains uncertain. Hypochloraemia has been associated with reduced diuretic efficacy. Some authors propose that chloride repletion may enhance natriuretic and diuretic responses. This post-hoc analysis of the SALT-HF trial evaluated the effect of single-dose administration of HSS plus intravenous (IV) furosemide versus IV furosemide, stratified by baseline serum chloride.