ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF A POTENT CARBONIC ANHYDRASE INHIBITOR ("DIAMOX"). III. ITS USE AS A DIURETIC IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE DUE TO COR PULMONALE

Abstract

Patients (17) hospitalized because of severe congestive failure due to cor pulmonale were treated with "Diamox" ( a new, potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor ). A large diuresis and corresponding clinical improvement were observed in approximately half the trials, with an average weight loss of 15.5 Ib. in 5-12 days of treatment. The remaining cases lost little or no weight and showed no clinical improvement. Most patients became slightly more acidotic as the result of treatment. Blood pCO2 usually did not change significantly. The only difference noted between the responsive and unresponsive groups appeared to be the initial level of blood bicarbonate, which was slightly higher in the patients who responded to treatment The physiologic factors determining the renal and metabolic effects of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in edematous patients with and without respiratory acidosis have been discussed in the light of current theory.