Dopamine-frusemide therapy in acute renal failure.

In 16 patients with ARF and in three with hepatorenal syndrome we infused dopamine (3 micrograms/kg/min) and frusemide (10-15 mg/kg/day) for 6-24 hours. This treatment produced in all patients a significant diuresis and natriuresis without any modification of blood pressure, pulse rate, and central venous pressure. In three patients with hepatorenal syndrome diuresis was established during dopamine and frusemide infusion, but severe oliguria again reappeared when drug infusion was stopped. This experience suggests that this therapy may avoid fluid overload and hyperkalaemia in oliguric patients reducing the need for dialysis. It is also the first successful approach in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome although its effect is transient.