Studies on cor pulmonale in cystic fibrosis: I. Effects of diuresis.

The effects of acute diuresis in patients with cor pulmonale secondary to 
cystic fibrosis were studied. Both hemodynamic parameters and arterial blood gas 
changes were investigated. The major effect noted was a significant reduction 
of systemic venous pressure. Pulmonary artery and pulmonary artery wedge pressure 
either remained constant or declined slightly. No consistent changes were noted 
in cardiac output or arterial blood gases. Acute diuresis of moderate 
degree appears to be a safe and effective manner in which 
to treat the systemic venous congestion of cor pulmonale in this 
situation. 