Diurnal Variations of Renal Function in Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

Diurnal variations of renal function were studied by means of a constant infusion technic in 10 subjects with congestive heart failure. In contrast to normal subjects, urine flow, Na excretion and filtration rate increased during sleep in 6 patients with persistent peripheral edema. Four subjects with congestive heart failure who were edema-free or undergoing diuresis showed a diurnal pattern with respect to urine flow and filtration rate similar to that seen in normal subjects. The endogenous "creatinine" chromogen clearance is substantially lower than the inulin clearance in patients with congestive heart failure and edema.