The Distribution of Body Fluids in Congestive Heart Failure: IV. Exchanges in Patients, Refractory to Mercurial Diuretics, Treated with Sodium and Potassium

Abstract
The clinical course was observed and balance studies were conducted in a series of patients with congestive heart failure who had hyponatremia and who had become refractory to mercurial diuretics. The data obtained during control periods and during treatment with hypertonic Na solns. suggest that, in addition to Na depletion, some disturbance is present in the mechanisms which regulate the water balance of the body. Administration of K did not appear to effect a diuresis.