The effects of KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist,on diuresis and renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and renal impairment or diuretic resistance.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of adenosine A1-receptor blockade on diuresis and renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and renal impairment or diuretic resistance.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous loop diuretics are the mainstay of therapy for patients with ADHF. Treatment, however, may be complicated by diuretic resistance and/or worsening renal function.

METHODS: We carried out a pair of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept studies in 2 clinically challenging ADHF populations.

RESULTS: In the ADHF protocol, 146 patients with volume overload and an estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 20 to 80 ml/min were randomized to placebo or 1 of 4 doses of KW-3902 (rolofylline) infused over 2 h daily for up to 3 days. On day 1, KW-3902 monotherapy increased urine output during the first 6 h (445, 531, 631, and 570 ml in the 2.5-, 15-, 30-, and 60-mg groups, respectively) compared with placebo (374 ml; p = 0.02). On day 2, serum creatinine decreased in all KW-3902 groups and increased with placebo (p = 0.04). By day 4 or day of discharge if earlier, intravenous furosemide administration tended to be lower in the KW-3902 groups compared with placebo (p = 0.10). In the diuretic-resistant protocol, 35 patients with an average CrCl of 34 ml/min were randomized to a single infusion of placebo, 10, 30, or 60 mg of KW-3902. Compared with placebo, KW-3902 increased hourly urine volume and estimated CrCl with peak effects occurring at 2 to 3 h and at 24 h, respectively. Adverse events were not different between placebo and KW-3902.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ADHF and volume overload, KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, enhances the response to loop diuretics and may have a renal protective effect.