The aim: To evaluate the effect of single daily 25 mg of spironolactone on serum electrolytes and kidney function tests in patients with severe chronic left sided heart failure.
Materials and methods: 60 patients with severe chronic left sided heart failure were enrolled in this study and they were divided in to 2 equal groups’ one group with standard therapy of HF and the other with spironolactone in a dose of 25 mg / day, as an additive therapy to the standard one. Serum electrolytes and kidney function tests were assessed at the beginning of the study and after 3 months.
Results: A significant increment in serum potassium (p<0.05) was observed in the spironolactone group after 3 months treatment, while no significant reduction in serum sodium (p>0.05) and no significant increase in serum creatinine and blood urea (p>0.05) was noticed in the same group, control group showed no significant changes (p>0.05), in both serum electrolytes (S.K and S.Na) and renal function tests (S.C and B.U).
Conclusions: Spironolactone caused a significant elevation of serum potassium level but this elevation is still with the clinically accepted ranges when low dose of spironolactone is used and with intact renal function. Serum creatinine level was not significantly increased with 25 mgl day of spironolactone. We conclude that Renal function tests namely blood urea and serum Creatinine, and serum potassium should be closely monitored in patients on spironolactone therapy especially those patients who use ACEI and ARBs in addition.
Evaluation of Kidney Function Tests in HIV‐Positive Patients Receiving Combined Antiretroviral Therapy