A pilot randomised controlled trial evaluating the pharmacodynamic effects of furosemide versus acetazolamide in critically ill patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the physiological and biochemical effects of a single intravenous dose of furosemide or acetazolamide in critically ill patients. DESIGN: Single centre, pilot randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Large tertiary adult intensive care unit (ICU). PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six adult ICU patients deemed to require diuretic therapy. INTERVENTION: Single dose of intravenous 40 mg furosemide or 500 mg acetazolamide. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected on urine output, cumulative fluid balance, and serum and urine biochemistry for 6 hours before and 6 hours after diuretic administration. RESULTS: Study patients had a median age of 55 years (IQR, 50-66) and median APACHE III s..