Abstract:
Diuretic resistance is a common clinical phenomenon and terms a progressive loss in diuretic efficiency as a consequence of pharmacokinetic and/or -dynamic alterations. Aim of the present work was to develop novel therapeutic concepts for the treatment of diuretic resistance in different diseases. In addition, improved HPLC-methods for the quantitative analysis of different diuretics were established and validated according to ICH-criteria.
In a first clinical trial, the natriuretic efficiency of furosemide and bumetanide was compared intraindividually during progressive inhibition of tubular secretion by probenecid. Whereas pharmacokinetic parameters of both drugs were affected similarly, bumetanide resulted in a higher fractional and cumulative sodium excretion, irrespective of the reduction in tubular secretion capacity. This is explained by a higher intratubular affinity of bumetanide at the luminal Na+K+2Cl--cotransporter and advantageous in patients with reduced tubular secretion capacity and diuretic resistance.
The second clinical trial assessed the effects of indapamide, a thiazide analogon and vasodilatator on renal hemodynamics and loop diuretic efficiency in patients with congestive heart failure. Indapamide treatment had no effect on systemic hemodynamics and cardiac function. However, GFR and renal blood flow increased significantly and the rightward shift of the dose-response-curve of furosemide was corrected. This results from a predominantly afferent arteriolar vasodilation, both directly and by a lack of tubuloglomerular feedback activation. Subsequently reduced proximal tubular reabsorption results in an increased delivery of sodium to the loop diuretic site of action. Indapamide may hence present a novel therapeutic option in patients with congestive heart failure and diuretic resistance, clearly warranting further clinical studies.