Long-term bumetanide treatment of patients with edema due to renal disease. Cooperative studies

Abstract

Bumetanide was compared with furosemide in a total of 43 outpatients with edema due to renal disease, selected from three clinics following a uniform protocol. By random selection, 31 patients received 1 to 10 mg/day bumetanide, and 12 received 40 to 400 mg/day furosemide for at least six months. The patients were evaluated clinically, by standard laboratory tests, as well as by ECG, audiometry, eye examination, and mammary examination. Pooled statistical analysis of the results was done. Edema, body weight, and abdominal girth were reduced during both treatments. There was no significant difference in the mean response to the two diuretic agents by the two sided probability test in the other parameters studied, e.g., supine and standing blood pressure and pulse, serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), and uric acid. There were no differences in liver function tests, hematology, or chest x-ray, and no remarkable effects on hearing. Gynecomastia improved in some patients while being treated with bumetanide after spironolactone was discontinued. Adverse reactions in patients on bumetanide which were considered possibly or probably related to the drug were muscle cramps (two patients); and vertigo, headache, muscle pain, urticaria, chest pain, arthritis, dehydration, postural hypotension, and leg cramps (one each). Laboratory abnormalities in both groups were generally those that could be attributed to the pharmacologic action of the diuretics or due to the patients' underlying disease states. No drug-related adverse effects were noted in ECG, ophthalmologic examinations, or chest x-rays. Two patients in the furosemide group had a probably or possibly drug-related loss of hearing sensitivity. In summary, bumetanide appeared to be as safe and as efficacious as furosemide in controlling edema and hypertension in patients with renal disease.