The investigators hypothesize that worsening renal function can be mitigated by withholding ACEI/ARB during the initial phase of in-patient treatment with aggressive diuresis. This hypothesis will be tested by randomly allocating 360 admitted patients with ADHF on two treatment paths: 1) no ACEI/ARB administered for initial 72 hours of treatment during aggressive diuresis versus 2) full dose ACEI/ARB administered concurrently with aggressive diuresis in naïve patients/home dose, who are already on such therapy. The study team hopes to find that holding ACEI/ARBs during the initial 72 hours of admission with acute decompensated systolic heart failure will help preserve renal function, as demonstrated by a lesser decline in GFR. In addition, this treatment would allow the option of aggressive diuresis in volume overloaded CHF patients, resulting in a lesser decline of AKI, length of stay, readmission rates, and costs associated with CHF treatment. By understanding the complex interaction between holding ACEIs/ARBs and continued aggressive diuresis, the investigators intend to develop optimal dosing strategies for acute, decompensated CHF patients, further minimizing adverse events such as electrolyte issues and declining GFR/AKI.
Holding ACEI/ARBs during initial 72 hours of admission with acute decompensated heart failure may help preserve renal function with a lesser decline in GFR. This treatment modification will also allow the option of aggressive diuresis in volume overloaded CHF patients which should result in a lesser decline of AKI, length of stay, readmission rates, and cost associated with CHF treatment.