Effect of nesiritide on length of hospital stay in patients with decompensated heart failure

We examined the effect of nesiritide, administered as initial therapy, on length of hospital stay (LOS) and renal function through a retrospective analysis of 129 consecutive admissions to the coronary care unit in 98 patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Nesiritide was infused during 58 admissions (nesiritide group) while other therapies, not including nesiritide, were used during 71 admissions (non-nesiritide group). Although the nesiritide group showed lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction and systolic blood pressure, higher serum creatinine, and a longer QRS interval, the LOS of this group was significantly shorter compared to the non-nesiritide group (3.91 +/- 1.3 vs 4.77 +/- 1.7 days, P = .0023). Both groups were similar with respect to body weight change (negative fluid balance), a slight decrease in blood urea nitrogen, and unchanged serum creatinine. Nesiritide as an initial therapy for treatment of congestive heart failure results in a more rapid hospital discharge without compromising renal function.