Cation exchange resin in the treatment of congestive heart failure. II. Clinical effectiveness and chemical complications during prolonged periods of use.

Thirty-four edematous cardiac patients who were being treated with cation exchange resin were studied for its long term effectiveness and for clinical and chemical complications. In 23 of 27 patients the resin was effective in terms of mobilizing edema fluid previously refractory to other forms of treatment, of partial or complete substitution for mercurial diuretics, and of permitting a slight increase in the salt content of the diet. Gastrointestinal intolerance was the chief clinical complication but prevented therapy in only five patients. Chemical complications of sodium depletion, potassium depletion or excess, and severe chloride acidosis were not seen.