The AVOID-HF (Aquapheresis versus Intravenous Diuretics and Hospitalization for Heart Failure) trial tested the hypothesis that patients hospitalized for HF treated with adjustable ultrafiltration (AUF) would have a longer time to first HF event within 90 days after hospital discharge than those receiving adjustable intravenous loop diuretics (ALD).
Background
Congestion in hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients portends unfavorable outcomes.
Methods
The AVOID-HF trial, designed as a multicenter, 1-to-1 randomized study of 810 hospitalized HF patients, was terminated unilaterally and prematurely by the sponsor (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Illinois) after enrollment of 224 patients (27.5%). Aquadex FlexFlow System (Baxter Healthcare) was used for AUF. A Clinical Events Committee, blinded to the randomized treatment, adjudicated whether 90-day events were due to HF.
Results
A total of 110 patients were randomized to AUF and 114 to ALD. Baseline characteristics were similar. Estimated days to first HF event for the AUF and ALD group were, respectively, 62 and 34 (p = 0.106). At 30 days, compared with the ALD group, the AUF group had fewer HF and cardiovascular events. Renal function changes were similar. More AUF patients experienced an adverse effect of special interest (p = 0.018) and a serious study product-related adverse event (p = 0.026). The 90-day mortality was similar.
Conclusions
Compared with the ALD group, the AUF group trended toward a longer time to first HF event within 90 days and fewer HF and cardiovascular events. More patients in the AUF group experienced special interest or serious product-related adverse event. Due to the trial’s untimely termination, additional AUF investigation is warranted.
Key Words
aquapheresis
congestion
fluid overload
heart failure
hospitalizations
loop diuretics
worsening renal function
Abbreviations and Acronyms
ALD
adjustable loop diuretics
AUF
adjustable ultrafiltration
BNP
B-type natriuretic peptide
CV
cardiovascular
HF
heart failure
IV
intravenous
LD
loop diuretics
SEC
Study Endpoint Committee
UF
ultrafiltration
Cited by (0)
Drs. Costanzo, Negoianu, Jaski, Heywood, and Fonarow have received compensation for their work for the AVOID-HF Trial Steering Committee. Dr. Costanzo was the principal investigator of the AVOID-HF trial sponsored by Baxter Healthcare; and has received research grant support from Baxter Healthcare to the Advocate Heart Institute. Dr. Negoianu has served on the Speakers Bureau of Fresenius, DaVita, and Gambro. Dr. Nabut previously was employed by Baxter Healthcare. Dr. Fonarow has served as a consultant for Baxter Healthcare, Gambro, Novartis, Medtronic, Amgen, Bayer, and Janssen. Mr. Nabut is a former employee of Baxter Healthcare. Dr. Schollmeyer is a former consultant for Baxter Healthcare. The institutions of all authors have received a research grant initially from Gambro and subsequently from Baxter for the conduct of the AVOID-HF trial. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.
