[Isolated ultrafiltration of the blood in patients with refractory heart failure: the status of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the secretion of antidiuretic hormone].

Isolated ultrafiltration was performed in 107 patients with refractory heart failure (HF) which developed in the presence of different cardiovascular diseases. The beneficial action of isolated ultrafiltration in 71 patients (68%) with refractory HF was determined by complex interaction of the effects provoked by ultrafiltrate removal. Among those effects of paramount importance was correction of secondary hyperaldosteronism and reduction of the concentration of antidiuretic hormone accompanied by the improvement of liver and heart functions.