Dr KK Answers: Which is better continuous IV infusion or intermittent bolus dosed of furosemide?

The DOSE trial found that no single intravenous dosing regimen for a loop diuretic is superior in treating acute heart failure.

Patients were assigned to receive furosemide via bolus versus continuous infusion at either a low dose (equivalent to the patient’s previous oral dose) or high dose (2.5 times the previous oral dose).

1.    There was no significant difference in efficacy or safety for bolus versus continuous infusion.
2.     There was significant greater improvement in symptoms with high-dose therapy.
3.    The mean change in serum creatinine was similar at the two-dose levels.

Source: N Engl J Med 2011; 364:797