[Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of spironolactone and furosemide in patients with severe congestive heart failure].

21 patients with NYHA class III to IV congestive heart failure were randomised to Aldactone (200 mg i.v., 11 pts) or furosemide (20 mg i.v., 10 pts). The mean urine volume in 24 hours in Aldactone group was 1145 ml (range 600 to 2500 ml) and 1678 ml (range 1000 to 3500 ml) in furosemide group (NS). Reduction of magnesium plasma level in furosemide group 24 hours after treatment (from 2.16 +/- 0.18 to 2.01 +/- 0.12 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and slight elevation in Aldactone group (from 1.96 +/- 0.3 to 2.11 +/- 0.18, NS) were observed. Ventricular arrhythmias detected on 24 hour Holter monitoring didn't differ between the study groups.