Extracorporeal ultrafiltration for acute exacerbations of chronic heart failure: report from the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative.

This report from a work group affiliated with the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative is a critical assessment of the use of extracorporeal ultrafiltration (UF) in the management of acutely decompensated heart failure (HF). In addition to assessing UF in this setting, the report also provides background information on HF, including classification, pathophysiology, and the importance of concomitant renal failure. A summary of important results from clinical trials in this area is provided, along with a discussion of technical considerations. Finally, specific recommendations for future clinical evaluations are given.